Shashi Kapoor
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Shashi Kapoor (pronounced əʃi kəpuːɾ (born Balbir Raj Kapoor; 18 March 1938 – 4 December 2017) was an Indian actor and film producer who is best known for his work in
Hindi Hindi (Devanāgarī: or , ), or more precisely Modern Standard Hindi (Devanagari: ), is an Indo-Aryan language spoken chiefly in the Hindi Belt region encompassing parts of northern, central, eastern, and western India. Hindi has been de ...
films. A recipient of several accolades, including four
National Film Awards The National Film Awards is the most prominent film award ceremony in India. Established in 1954, it has been administered, along with the International Film Festival of India and the Indian Panorama, by the Indian government's Directorat ...
and two
Filmfare Awards The Filmfare Awards are annual awards that honour artistic and technical excellence in the Hindi-language film industry of India.Al The Filmfare ceremony is one of the most famous film events in India. The awards were first introduced by th ...
, he also featured in a number of
English English usually refers to: * English language * English people English may also refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * ''English'', an adjective for something of, from, or related to England ** English national ide ...
-language international films, particularly films produced by
Merchant Ivory A merchant is a person who trades in commodities produced by other people, especially one who trades with foreign countries. Historically, a merchant is anyone who is involved in business or trade. Merchants have operated for as long as indust ...
. The
Government of India The Government of India (ISO: ; often abbreviated as GoI), known as the Union Government or Central Government but often simply as the Centre, is the national government of the Republic of India, a federal democracy located in South Asia, c ...
honoured him with the
Padma Bhushan The Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award in the Republic of India, preceded by the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan and followed by the Padma Shri. Instituted on 2 January 1954, the award is given for "distinguished service ...
in 2011, and the
Dadasaheb Phalke Award The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's highest award in the field of cinema. It is presented annually at the National Film Awards ceremony by the Directorate of Film Festivals, an organisation set up by the Ministry of Information and Broadca ...
, in 2014, for his contribution to Indian cinema. Born into the
Kapoor family The Kapoor family
The New York Times. 30 April 2020.
is a prominent Indian show business fa ...
, he was the third and the youngest son of
Prithviraj Kapoor Prithviraj Kapoor (born Prithvinath Kapoor; 3 November 1906 – 29 May 1972) was an Indian actor who is also considered to be one of the founding figures of Hindi cinema. He was associated with IPTA as one of its founding members and establish ...
. He began his career as a child actor in his brother
Raj Kapoor Raj Kapoor (pronunciation: aːd͡ʒ kəpuːɾ born Shrishti Nath Kapoor; also known as Ranbir Raj Kapoor; 14 December 1924 2 June 1988) was an Indian actor, film director and producer, who worked in Hindi cinema. He is considered one of th ...
's directorial '' Aag'' (1948), and had his first role as an adult in
Yash Chopra Yash Raj Chopra (27 September 1932 21 October 2012) was an Indian film director and film producer who worked in Hindi cinema. The founding chairman of the film production and distribution company Yash Raj Films, Chopra was the recipient of ...
's political drama ''
Dharmputra ''Dharmputra'' is a 1961 Hindi film directed by Yash Chopra based on a novel of the same name by Acharya Chatursen. This is Yash's second directorial venture. It was the first Hindi film to depict the partition of India, and Hindu fundamentalis ...
'' (1961). Kapoor was married to English actress
Jennifer Kendal Jennifer Kendal (28 February 1934 – 7 September 1984) was an English actress and the founder of the Prithvi Theatre. She was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for the film ''36 Chowringhee Lane'' (1981). Her oth ...
from 1958 till her death in 1984, and had three children
Kunal Kapoor Kunal Kapoor may refer to: * Kunal Kapoor (actor, born 1959), Indian film actor * Kunal Kapoor (actor, born 1977), Indian actor, writer and entrepreneur * Kunal Kapoor (cricketer) (born 1987), Indian cricketer * Kunal Karan Kapoor (born 1982), In ...
,
Karan Kapoor Karan Kapoor (born 18 January 1962) is an Indian photographer, actor and model. He is the son of actors Shashi Kapoor and Jennifer Kendal. His paternal grandfather was Prithviraj Kapoor and his paternal uncles are Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor ...
and Sanjana Thapar. He died at the age of 79 due to
aspiration pneumonia Aspiration pneumonia is a type of lung infection that is due to a relatively large amount of material from the stomach or mouth entering the lungs. Signs and symptoms often include fever and cough of relatively rapid onset. Complications may inc ...
.


Early life

Shashi Kapoor was born as Balbir Raj Kapoor to
Prithviraj Kapoor Prithviraj Kapoor (born Prithvinath Kapoor; 3 November 1906 – 29 May 1972) was an Indian actor who is also considered to be one of the founding figures of Hindi cinema. He was associated with IPTA as one of its founding members and establish ...
and his wife in
Calcutta Kolkata (, or , ; also known as Calcutta , List of renamed places in India#West Bengal, the official name until 2001) is the Capital city, capital of the Indian States and union territories of India, state of West Bengal, on the eastern ba ...
, British India, on 18 March 1938. He was the youngest brother of
Raj Kapoor Raj Kapoor (pronunciation: aːd͡ʒ kəpuːɾ born Shrishti Nath Kapoor; also known as Ranbir Raj Kapoor; 14 December 1924 2 June 1988) was an Indian actor, film director and producer, who worked in Hindi cinema. He is considered one of th ...
and
Shammi Kapoor Shammi Kapoor (born Shamsher Raj Kapoor; (pronounced ʌmːi kʌpuːɾ 21 October 1931 – 14 August 2011) was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi cinema. He is the recipient of two Filmfare Awards, winning in the categories of Best Actor f ...
. Actor
Trilok Kapoor Trilok Kapoor (11 February 1912 23 September 1988) was an Indian actor and a member of the Kapoor family who worked in Bollywood films. He was the younger brother of actor Prithviraj Kapoor. Early and personal life Trilok was born as the seco ...
was his uncle. Kapoor acted in plays, directed and produced by his father
Prithviraj Kapoor Prithviraj Kapoor (born Prithvinath Kapoor; 3 November 1906 – 29 May 1972) was an Indian actor who is also considered to be one of the founding figures of Hindi cinema. He was associated with IPTA as one of its founding members and establish ...
, while travelling with
Prithvi Theatres Prithvi or Prithvi Mata (Sanskrit: पृथ्वी, ', also पृथिवी, ', "the Vast One") is the Sanskrit name for the earth, as well as the name of a devi (goddess) in Hinduism and some branches of Buddhism. In the Vedas, her cons ...
. He started acting in films as a child in the late 1940s under the name of Shashiraj, as there was already another actor by the same name who used to act in mythological films as a child artiste. His best-known performances as a child actor were in '' Aag'' (1948) and ''
Awaara ''Awaara'', also written ''Awāra'', ur, , Āvārā, group=n, name=HindiUrdu and known overseas as ''The Vagabond'', is a 1951 Indian Hindi crime drama film, produced and directed by Raj Kapoor, and written by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas. It stars R ...
'' (1951), where he played the younger version of the characters played by his older brother
Raj Kapoor Raj Kapoor (pronunciation: aːd͡ʒ kəpuːɾ born Shrishti Nath Kapoor; also known as Ranbir Raj Kapoor; 14 December 1924 2 June 1988) was an Indian actor, film director and producer, who worked in Hindi cinema. He is considered one of th ...
, and in '' Sangram'' (1950), where he played the younger version of
Ashok Kumar Kumudlal Ganguly (13 October 1911 – 10 December 2001), better known by his stage name Ashok Kumar and also by Dadamoni, was an Indian actor who attained iconic status in Indian cinema and who was a member of the cinematic Ganguly family. He ...
and Dana Paani (1953) where he acted with
Bharat Bhushan ''Bharatbhushan Bhalla'' better known as ''Bharat Bhushan'' (14 June 1920 – 27 January 1992) was an Indian actor in Hindi language films, scriptwriter and producer, who is best remembered for playing Baiju Bawra in the 1952 film of the s ...
. He worked in four Hindi films as a child artiste from 1948 to 1954.


Career


Early career (1960s)

Kapoor got an opportunity to work as an assistant director in the film ''Post Box 999'', the debut film of
Sunil Dutt Sunil Dutt (born Balraj Dutt; 6 June 1929 — 25 May 2005) was an Indian actor, film producer, director and politician. Dutt was one of the major stars of Hindi cinema in the late 1950s and 1960s and continued to star in many successful film ...
, and worked as an assistant director to
Ravindra Dave Ravindra Dave (16 April 1919 – 21 July 1992) was an Indian film director, producer, editor and screenwriter. He directed more than 30 Hindi films in the 1950s and 1960s including several hits like ''Nagina'' (1951), '' Agra Road'' (1957), ''Po ...
in ''
Guest House A guest house (also guesthouse) is a kind of lodging. In some parts of the world (such as the Caribbean), guest houses are a type of inexpensive hotel-like lodging. In others, it is a private home that has been converted for the exclusive use ...
'' (1959), which was followed by movies such as '' Dulha Dulhan'' and '' Shriman Satyawadi'', where
Raj Kapoor Raj Kapoor (pronunciation: aːd͡ʒ kəpuːɾ born Shrishti Nath Kapoor; also known as Ranbir Raj Kapoor; 14 December 1924 2 June 1988) was an Indian actor, film director and producer, who worked in Hindi cinema. He is considered one of th ...
was the lead hero. Shashi Kapoor made his debut as a leading man in the 1961 film ''
Dharmputra ''Dharmputra'' is a 1961 Hindi film directed by Yash Chopra based on a novel of the same name by Acharya Chatursen. This is Yash's second directorial venture. It was the first Hindi film to depict the partition of India, and Hindu fundamentalis ...
'' and went on to appear in 116 Hindi films, including 61 films as the solo lead hero and 55 multi star-cast films, 21 films as supporting actor and special appearances in 7 films. He was a very popular actor in
Bollywood Hindi cinema, popularly known as Bollywood and formerly as Bombay cinema, refers to the film industry based in Mumbai, engaged in production of motion pictures in Hindi language. The popular term Bollywood, is a portmanteau of "Bombay" (fo ...
during the 60s, 70s and until the mid-80s. Kapoor's early films, ''
Dharmputra ''Dharmputra'' is a 1961 Hindi film directed by Yash Chopra based on a novel of the same name by Acharya Chatursen. This is Yash's second directorial venture. It was the first Hindi film to depict the partition of India, and Hindu fundamentalis ...
'', ''
Prem Patra ''Prem Patra'' (''Hindiप्रेमपत्र', The love letter) is a 1962 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film produced and directed by Bimal Roy. It stars Shashi Kapoor and Sadhana. The movie is loosely based on the 1956 Bengali ...
'' and ''Char Diwari'', were in Hindi, which were not successful commercially. Since 1961, he started acting in English language films, which include ''
The Householder ''The Householder'' (Hindi title: ''Gharbar'') is a 1963 film by Merchant Ivory Productions, with a screenplay by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala and James Ivory, and direction of James Ivory. It is based upon the 1960 novel of the same name by Jhabvala. ...
'' and ''
Shakespeare-Wallah ''Shakespeare Wallah'' is a 1965 Merchant Ivory Productions film. The story and screenplay are by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, about a travelling family theatre troupe of English actors in India, who perform Shakespeare plays in towns across India, ami ...
''. He was one of India's first actors to go international. Actress
Nanda Nanda may refer to: Indian history and religion * Nanda Empire, ruled by the Nanda dynasty, an Indian royal dynasty ruling Magadha in the 4th century BCE ** Mahapadma Nanda, first Emperor of the Nanda Empire ** Dhana Nanda (died c. 321 BCE), last ...
, who was an established star at her time, signed 8 Hindi films with Kapoor, as she believed that he could deliver good performances. Their first two films as a pair were the critically acclaimed romantic film ''Char Diwari'' (1961) and ''Mehndi Lagi Mere Haath'' (1962). In the 1960s, Kapoor acted in several romantic films opposite
Nanda Nanda may refer to: Indian history and religion * Nanda Empire, ruled by the Nanda dynasty, an Indian royal dynasty ruling Magadha in the 4th century BCE ** Mahapadma Nanda, first Emperor of the Nanda Empire ** Dhana Nanda (died c. 321 BCE), last ...
, including ''Mohabbat Isko Kahete Hain'' (1965), '' Jab Jab Phool Khile'' (1965), '' Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare'' (1966), ''
Raja Saab ''Raja Saab'' is a 1969 Bollywood drama film directed by Suraj Prakash under the banner of Limelight. It stars Shashi Kapoor and Nanda in pivotal roles. Plot Born and brought up in an orphanage, Raju dreams of living life King-size. On being fo ...
'' (1969) and '' Rootha Na Karo'' (1970). In an interview in the 1990s, Kapoor declared that Nanda was his favorite actress and that he regarded her as one of his mentors. In another interview, Nanda stated that Shashi Kapoor was her favorite actor.


1970s and 1980s

Shashi Kapoor formed on screen pairs with
Raakhee Raakhee Gulzar (born Rakhee Majumdar on 15 August 1947 and known as Raakhee) is an Indian actress who has appeared in many Hindi films and Bengali films as well. In four decades of acting, she has won three Filmfare Awards and one National Fil ...
,
Sharmila Tagore Sharmila Tagore (also known as Begum Ayesha Sultana; born 8 December 1944) is a retired Indian actress, primarily known for her work in Hindi and Bengali cinema, Tagore is the recipient of two National Film Awards, a Filmfare Award, and the F ...
and
Zeenat Aman Zeenat Khan (born 19 November 1951), better known as Zeenat Aman, is an Indian actress and former fashion model. She first received recognition for her modelling work, and at the age of 19, went on to participate in beauty pageants, winning both ...
from the late sixties to the mid eighties. He also acted opposite actresses
Hema Malini Hema Malini (born 16 October 1948) is an Indian actress, director, producer, and politician. She is primarily known for her work in Hindi films. Known for starring in both comic and dramatic roles, she is one of the most popular and successful ...
,
Parveen Babi Parveen Babi (4 April 1954 – 20 January 2005) was an Indian actress and model. Recognized for her roles in Hindi films throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, Babi was known for her "glamorous" acting style, and was one of the highest-paid ...
, and
Moushumi Chatterjee Moushumi Chatterjee (born Indira Chattopadhyay) is an Indian actress who is recognised for her work in Hindi as well as Bengali cinema. She was one of the highest paid actresses in Hindi films during the 1970s. She joined the Bharatiya Janata ...
in many films. After their first movie together ''
Sharmelee Meenakshi, also known as Sharmilee or Sharmili (in Tamil/Telugu), is a Malayalam actress. She made her debut in Malayalam films. The Kerala Film Critics Association named her their 2005 debutante artist. In all of her Tamil-language films, she ...
'' became a blockbuster, Raakhee was frequently paired with him, and they acted in hit films such as '' Jaanwar Aur Insaan'' (1972), ''
Kabhi Kabhie ''Kabhi Kabhie'' (English: ''Sometimes'') is a 1976 Indian musical romantic drama film produced and directed by Yash Chopra and written by Pamela Chopra starring an ensemble cast of Amitabh Bachchan, Raakhee, Shashi Kapoor, Waheeda Rehman, Ris ...
'' (1976), ''
Baseraa ''Baseraa'' is an Indian Bollywood film. The film was produced by Ramesh Behl, and directed by Ramesh Talwar. The film based on Marathi novel by Leela Phansalkar. It stars Shashi Kapoor, Raakhee, Rekha, Raj Kiran, Poonam Dhillon in lead roles ...
'' (1981), and the critically acclaimed '' Trishna'' (1978). However, '' Doosara Aadmi'' (1977), '' Bandhan Kuchchey Dhaagon Ka'' (1983), ''Bandh Honth'' (1984), and '' Zameen Aasmaan'' (1985) were flops. He starred with Sharmila Tagore in hits such as '' Waqt'' (1965), '' Aamne Samne'' (1967), ''
Suhana Safar ''Suhana Safar'' is a 1970 Bollywood drama film directed by Vijay. The film stars Shashi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore. Plot Sapna (Sharmila Tagore), flying back to India from the USA is involved in an airplane engine "flameout". She loves poetry ...
'' (1970), '' Aa Gale Lag Jaa'' (1973), ''
Vachan ''Vachan'' (Hindi: वचन English: Word) is a 1955 Indian Bollywood film directed by Raj Rishi and produced by Devendra Goel. The film stars Geeta Bali and Rajendra Kumar in lead roles. The film marked the debut of composer Ravi. It was also ...
'' (1974), '' Paap Aur Punya'' (1974), '' Swati'' (1986), the critically acclaimed '' New Delhi Times'' (1985), which fetched Kapoor a
National Film Award The National Film Awards is the most prominent film award ceremony in India. Established in 1954, it has been administered, along with the International Film Festival of India and the Indian Panorama, by the Indian government's Directora ...
for Best Actor in 1986. Other films with Sharmila, such as '' My Love'' (1970), ''
Anari Anari may refer to: Films * ''Anari'' (1959 film), a Bollywood film directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee * ''Anari'' (1975 film), a Bollywood film directed by Asit Sen, starring Shashi Kapoor, Sharmila Tagore and Moushumi Chatterjee * ''Anari'' (1 ...
'' (1975), '' Gehri Chot'' (1983), ''
Maa Beti ''Maa Beti'' (English: ''Mother Daughter'') is a 1986 Indian Family drama film starring Bollywood actors Shashi Kapoor, Sharmila Tagore, Tanuja, Meenakshi Sheshadri in the lead roles. Plot Savitri lives a wealthy lifestyle with her businessma ...
'' (1986) and ''
Ghar Bazar ''Ghar Bazar'' or ''Ghar Aur Bazar'' is a 1998 Hindi film starring Sharmila Tagore, Shekhar Suman and Mehmood, while Shashi Kapoor made a special appearance in the film. The film had its audio launch in 1986 but only released in 1998. Cast * S ...
'' (1998) were not successful. With
Zeenat Aman Zeenat Khan (born 19 November 1951), better known as Zeenat Aman, is an Indian actress and former fashion model. She first received recognition for her modelling work, and at the age of 19, went on to participate in beauty pageants, winning both ...
, he worked in hit films such as ''
Chori Mera Kaam ''Chori Mera Kaam'' (English: Stealing is my Job) is a 1975 Bollywood comedy film, produced by Chander Sadanah, directed by Brij Sadanah and written by K. A. Narayan. The film stars Ashok Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Zeenat Aman, Pran, Deven Verma, ...
'' (1975), ''
Deewaangee ''Deewaangee'' ( hi, दीवानगी) is a 1976 Hindi film produced by Subodh Mukherjee and directed by Samir Ganguly, the film stars Shashi Kapoor, Zeenat Aman, Ranjeet, Narendra Nath and Helen. The film's music is composed by Ravind ...
'' (1976), ''
Roti Kapda Aur Makan ''Roti Kapada Aur Makaan'' (; occasionally written as ''Roti Kapda Aur Makaan'') is a 1974 Indian Hindi-language action drama film written, directed, and produced by Manoj Kumar. The title of the movie is based on the Hindi phrase, which refers ...
'' (1974), '' Heeralal Pannalal'' (1978), ''Pakhandi'' (1984), '' Bhavani Junction'' (1985), ''
Satyam Shivam Sundaram ''Satyam Shivam Sundaram'' () is a 1978 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film produced and directed by Raj Kapoor and written by Jainendra Jain, starring Shashi Kapoor and Zeenat Aman. The film's original soundtrack was composed by Laxmik ...
'' (1978) and the pair witnessed flops such as ''
Krodhi Krodhi () is a 1981 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film was directed by Subhash Ghai and it stars huge cast such as, Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor, Zeenat Aman, Hema Malini, Premnath, Pran in pivotal roles. Kalyanji-Anandji's background sco ...
'' (1981), '' Vakil Babu'' (1982) and '' Bandhan Kuchchey Dhaagon Ka'' (1983). He did 10 films opposite Hema Malini. As a pair, Shashi and
Hema Malini Hema Malini (born 16 October 1948) is an Indian actress, director, producer, and politician. She is primarily known for her work in Hindi films. Known for starring in both comic and dramatic roles, she is one of the most popular and successful ...
had 7 hits such as '' Abhinetri'', ''
Aap Beati ''Aap Beati'' is a 1976 Hindi film. Produced and directed by Mohan Kumar, the film stars Shashi Kapoor, Hema Malini, Ashok Kumar, Nirupa Roy, Premnath, Aruna Irani, Helen, Asrani, Sujit Kumar and Madan Puri. The film's music is by Laxmikant-P ...
'', '' Trishul'', '' Aandhi Toofan'', '' Apna Khoon'', '' Maan Gaye Ustaad'', ''
Do Aur Do Paanch ''Do Aur Do Paanch'' (Hindi: दो और दो पांच, Bengali: দুই আর দুই পাঁচ, English: Two and two make five) is a 1980 Hindi action comedy movie produced by Devar films and directed by Rakesh Kumar. The film ...
'' and 3 flops - '' Jahan Pyar Mile'', '' Naach Uthe Sansaar'' and ''
Anjaam ''Anjaam'' () is a 1994 Indian Hindi-language psychological thriller film directed by Rahul Rawail. It stars Madhuri Dixit and Shah Rukh Khan in lead roles, with Tinnu Anand, Johnny Lever, Kalpana Iyer, Himani Shivpuri, Sudha Chandran, Beena, ...
''. Kapoor's other successful movies include ''
Haseena Maan Jayegi ''Hasina Maan Jayegi'' () is a 1968 Hindi film directed by Prakash Mehra. The film stars Shashi Kapoor, Babita, Ameeta, Yunus Parvez and Johnny Walker. The film's music, composed by Kalyanji Anandji, has songs which are quite memorable, with t ...
'' (1968) and '' Ek Shriman Ek Shrimati'' (1969), both with
Babita Babita Shivdasani-Kapoor (born 20 April 1947), also known simply as Babita or Babita Kapoor, is a former Indian actress who appeared in Hindi-language films. The daughter of actor Hari Shivdasani, she is the first cousin of her contemporary a ...
, '' Kanyadaan'' (1968) and ''
Pyar Ka Mausam ''Pyar Ka Mausam'' () is a 1969 Indian Hindi-language musical romance film under Nasir Hussain films banner. Hussain wrote, produced, and directed the film. It starred Shashi Kapoor, and the Nasir Husain fixture- Asha Parekh. It also had Bharat ...
'' (1969), both opposite
Asha Parekh Asha Parekh (born 2 October 1942) is a retired Indian actress, film director, and producer who appeared in many commercially successful films throughout her career. She was the highest paid actress of her time and was one of the most successful ...
, ''
Chor Machaye Shor ''Chor Machaye Shor'' () is a 1974 Indian Hindi-language film directed by Ashok Roy and produced by N. N. Sippy. The film stars Shashi Kapoor, Mumtaz, Danny Denzongpa, Madan Puri, Asrani and Asit Sen. The music is by Ravindra Jain. Asrani e ...
'' opposite
Mumtaz Mumtaz ( ar, ممتاز) is a name commonly used in various countries in the Muslim world, mainly Afghanistan, Brunei, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Turkey. It can also be used as a female name. ''Mumtazah'' is a related female versio ...
, '' Abhinetri'' (1970), ''
Aap Beati ''Aap Beati'' is a 1976 Hindi film. Produced and directed by Mohan Kumar, the film stars Shashi Kapoor, Hema Malini, Ashok Kumar, Nirupa Roy, Premnath, Aruna Irani, Helen, Asrani, Sujit Kumar and Madan Puri. The film's music is by Laxmikant-P ...
'' (1976) and '' Maan Gaye Ustaad'' (1981), with
Hema Malini Hema Malini (born 16 October 1948) is an Indian actress, director, producer, and politician. She is primarily known for her work in Hindi films. Known for starring in both comic and dramatic roles, she is one of the most popular and successful ...
, ''
Bezubaan ''Bezubaan'' () is a 1982 Indian Hindi-language film directed by Bapu (director), Bapu and produced by Pranlal Mehta. The film stars Shashi Kapoor, Reena Roy, Raj Kiran (actor), Raj Kiran and Naseeruddin Shah. It is a remake of the Tamil film '' ...
'' with
Reena Roy Reena Roy (born Saira Ali; 7 January 1957), is an Indian actress. At the age of 15, she made her film debut with the drama ''Zaroorat'' (1972), but gained wider public recognition with her roles in the romantic comedy ''Jaise Ko Taisa'' (1973) a ...
, '' Chakkar Pe Chakkar'' (1976), '' Kali Ghata'' (1980), '' Kalyug'' (1981), '' Vijeta'' (1982) and '' Pyaar Ki Jeet'' (1987) all with
Rekha Bhanurekha Ganesan (born 10 October 1954), better known by her stage name Rekha, is an Indian actress who appears predominantly in Hindi films. Acknowledged as one of the finest actresses in Indian cinema, she has starred in more than 180 fi ...
and ''
Bepanaah ''Bepanaah'' is a 1985 Indian Hindi-language film directed by Jagdish Sidana, starring Shashi Kapoor, Mithun Chakraborty, Poonam Dhillon, Rati Agnihotri, Suresh Oberoi, Madan Puri, Kader Khan in pivotal roles. Summary Bajrang, a naive youn ...
'' (1985) with
Rati Agnihotri Rati Agnihotri (born 10 December 1960) is an Indian actress, known for acting in Hindi, as well as in Telugu and Tamil language films. Her roles in the cult-tragedy film ''Ek Duuje Ke Liye'' (1981) and the drama film '' Tawaif'' (1985) earned ...
. Other films include multi-starrers such as ''Dil Ne Pukara'' (1967), '' Trishul'' (1978), '' Neeyat'' (1980), '' Aandhi Toofan'' (1985), '' Naina'' (1973), ''
Phaansi ''Phaansi'' (ISO 15919: Phāṁsī ) is a 1978 Indian Hindi-language movie directed by Harmesh Malhotra. The film stars Shashi Kapoor, Sulakshana Pandit, Pran and Ranjeet. The film's music is by Laxmikant Pyarelal. Actor Asrani has also pl ...
'' (1978), '' Salaakhen'' (1975), ''
Fakira ''Fakira'' is a 1976 Indian Hindi-language crime action film produced by N.N. Sippy and directed by C.P. Dixit. The film stars Shashi Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Asrani, Aruna Irani, Danny Denzongpa, Asit Sen (actor), Asit Sen, Ramesh Deo and Madan ...
'' (1976), and '' Junoon'' (1978). He also worked with
Rajesh Khanna Rajesh Khanna () (; born Jatin Khanna; 29 December 1942 – 18 July 2012) was an Indian actor, film producer and politician who worked in Hindi films. He is called as the "First Superstar of Hindi cinema", he consecutively starred in a record ...
in '' Prem Kahani'' (1975). As a child artiste, Shashi Kapoor had worked with the then leading star
Ashok Kumar Kumudlal Ganguly (13 October 1911 – 10 December 2001), better known by his stage name Ashok Kumar and also by Dadamoni, was an Indian actor who attained iconic status in Indian cinema and who was a member of the cinematic Ganguly family. He ...
in blockbusters such as '' Sangram'' (1950) and ''
Samadhi ''Samadhi'' (Pali and sa, समाधि), in Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and yogic schools, is a state of meditative consciousness. In Buddhism, it is the last of the eight elements of the Noble Eightfold Path. In the Ashtanga Yoga ...
'' (1950) where Ashok Kumar was the solo lead hero, which were huge hits at box office. He played Ashok Kumar's younger brother in '' Benazir'' where Ashok Kumar was the main male lead hero. Ashok Kumar played the supporting actor in 7 films with Shashi as the lead hero from 1975 to 1985 of which ''
Chori Mera Kaam ''Chori Mera Kaam'' (English: Stealing is my Job) is a 1975 Bollywood comedy film, produced by Chander Sadanah, directed by Brij Sadanah and written by K. A. Narayan. The film stars Ashok Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Zeenat Aman, Pran, Deven Verma, ...
'', ''
Aap Beati ''Aap Beati'' is a 1976 Hindi film. Produced and directed by Mohan Kumar, the film stars Shashi Kapoor, Hema Malini, Ashok Kumar, Nirupa Roy, Premnath, Aruna Irani, Helen, Asrani, Sujit Kumar and Madan Puri. The film's music is by Laxmikant-P ...
'', ''
Shankar Dada ''Shankar Dada'' is a 1976 Bollywood film directed by Shibu Mitra Shibu Mitra is an Indian film director and producer. His career spans more than 40 feature films in Bollywood, and his movies were particularly popular in the late 1970s and t ...
'', '' Apna Khoon'' and ''Maan Gaye Ustaad'' became hits, while '' Hira Aur Paththar'' and ''
Do Musafir ''Do Musafir'' is a 1978 Bollywood film directed by Devendra Goel. The film stars Shashi Kapoor and Rekha, along with Ashok Kumar, Pran & Prem Chopra. The music of the film was composed by Kalyanji-Anandji. Cast *Ashok Kumar as Kailashnath ...
'' became flops. He did two 'double role' films, both of which were box-office hits - ''
Haseena Maan Jayegi ''Hasina Maan Jayegi'' () is a 1968 Hindi film directed by Prakash Mehra. The film stars Shashi Kapoor, Babita, Ameeta, Yunus Parvez and Johnny Walker. The film's music, composed by Kalyanji Anandji, has songs which are quite memorable, with t ...
'' and ''
Shankar Dada ''Shankar Dada'' is a 1976 Bollywood film directed by Shibu Mitra Shibu Mitra is an Indian film director and producer. His career spans more than 40 feature films in Bollywood, and his movies were particularly popular in the late 1970s and t ...
''. Shashi did a song number in ''Shankar Dada'', a box-office hit, dressed up as a female. From the 1970s to early 1980s, Kapoor starred alongside Pran in 9 films which include ''Biradari'', ''
Chori Mera Kaam ''Chori Mera Kaam'' (English: Stealing is my Job) is a 1975 Bollywood comedy film, produced by Chander Sadanah, directed by Brij Sadanah and written by K. A. Narayan. The film stars Ashok Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Zeenat Aman, Pran, Deven Verma, ...
'', ''
Phaansi ''Phaansi'' (ISO 15919: Phāṁsī ) is a 1978 Indian Hindi-language movie directed by Harmesh Malhotra. The film stars Shashi Kapoor, Sulakshana Pandit, Pran and Ranjeet. The film's music is by Laxmikant Pyarelal. Actor Asrani has also pl ...
'', ''
Shankar Dada ''Shankar Dada'' is a 1976 Bollywood film directed by Shibu Mitra Shibu Mitra is an Indian film director and producer. His career spans more than 40 feature films in Bollywood, and his movies were particularly popular in the late 1970s and t ...
'', '' Chakkar Pe Chakkar'', '' Rahu Ketu'' and '' Maan Gaye Ustaad''. Earlier, Shashi had worked as child artists with Pran in ''Sanskar''. He made a popular pairing with
Amitabh Bachchan Amitabh Bachchan (; born as Amitabh Shrivastav; 11 October 1942) is an Indian actor, film producer, television host, occasional playback singer and former politician known for his work in Hindi cinema. He is regarded as one of the most succe ...
and the two co-starred in a total of 12 films: '' Roti Kapda Aur Makaan'' (1974), ''
Deewaar ''Deewaar'' () is a 1975 Indian Hindi-language action crime film directed by Yash Chopra and written by Salim–Javed ( Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar). It stars Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Neetu Singh, Nirupa Roy and Parveen Babi. The ...
'' (1975), ''
Kabhi Kabhie ''Kabhi Kabhie'' (English: ''Sometimes'') is a 1976 Indian musical romantic drama film produced and directed by Yash Chopra and written by Pamela Chopra starring an ensemble cast of Amitabh Bachchan, Raakhee, Shashi Kapoor, Waheeda Rehman, Ris ...
'' (1976), '' Trishul'' (1978), ''
Kaala Patthar ''Kaala Patthar'' () is a 1979 Indian Hindi-language action drama film produced and directed by Yash Chopra, with a screenplay written by Salim–Javed. The film was based on the Chasnala mining disaster, and is the fourth collaboration betwe ...
'' (1979), '' Suhaag'' (1979) and ''
Namak Halaal ''Namak Halaal'' () is a 30 April 1982 Indian masala film, directed by Prakash Mehra and written by Kader Khan. The film stars Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Smita Patil, Parveen Babi, Waheeda Rehman, Om Prakash, Ranjeet, Satyen Kappu in pivo ...
'' (1982) were hits, while ''
Immaan Dharam ''Immaan Dharam'' () is a 1977 Bollywood action drama film, written by Salim–Javed (Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar), directed by Desh Mukherjee and produced by Premji. The film stars Shashi Kapoor, Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, Aparna ...
'' (1977), '' Shaan'' (1980), ''
Do Aur Do Paanch ''Do Aur Do Paanch'' (Hindi: दो और दो पांच, Bengali: দুই আর দুই পাঁচ, English: Two and two make five) is a 1980 Hindi action comedy movie produced by Devar films and directed by Rakesh Kumar. The film ...
'' (1980), '' Silsila'' (1981) and ''
Akayla ''Akayla'' () is a 1991 Hindi-language action film directed by Ramesh Sippy and produced by the Mushir - Riaz duo. It was the fourth film collaboration of Ramesh Sippy and Amitabh Bachchan after ''Sholay'' (1975), '' Shaan'' (1980) and ''Shakti' ...
'' (1991) were flops. He is particularly famous for his role in ''
Deewaar ''Deewaar'' () is a 1975 Indian Hindi-language action crime film directed by Yash Chopra and written by Salim–Javed ( Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar). It stars Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Neetu Singh, Nirupa Roy and Parveen Babi. The ...
'' (1975), a film written by
Salim–Javed Salim–Javed were an Indian screenwriting duo, composed of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, working in Bollywood. They are noted for being the first Indian screenwriters to achieve star status, becoming the most successful Indian screenwriters ...
about two brothers on opposing sides of the law, with Kapoor playing a cop. One of his lines in the film, "Mere paas Maa hai" ("I have mother"), is a famous phrase that has become part of Indian popular culture. Shashi Kapoor was also regularly cast with the acclaimed
Sanjeev Kumar Sanjeev Kumar (born Harihar Jethalal Jariwala; 9 July 1938 – 6 November 1985) was an Indian actor. He is well remembered for his versatility and genuine portrayal of his characters. He acted in genres ranging from romantic dramas to thrille ...
in films like '' Mukti'' (1977), '' Trishul'' (1978), '' Swayamvar'' (1980), '' Sawaal'' (1982) and ''Pakhandi'' (1984). After his wife's Jennifer's death in 1984, he started becoming overweight, but he was given his comeback role as character artiste by
Rajesh Khanna Rajesh Khanna () (; born Jatin Khanna; 29 December 1942 – 18 July 2012) was an Indian actor, film producer and politician who worked in Hindi films. He is called as the "First Superstar of Hindi cinema", he consecutively starred in a record ...
in the 1985 film ''
Alag Alag ''Alag Alag'' is a 1985 Hindi film starring Shashi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna and Tina Munim in the lead roles, produced by Rajesh Khanna and directed by one of his favourite directors Shakti Samanta. The film is best remembered for the way it was sh ...
''. He had a distinct international presence. He was also known internationally for starring in British and American films, notably
Merchant Ivory A merchant is a person who trades in commodities produced by other people, especially one who trades with foreign countries. Historically, a merchant is anyone who is involved in business or trade. Merchants have operated for as long as indust ...
productions run by
Ismail Merchant Ismail Merchant (born Ismail Noor Muhammad Abdul Rahman (25 December 1936 – 25 May 2005)) was an Indian film producer, director and screenwriter. He worked for many years in collaboration with Merchant Ivory Productions which included Directo ...
and
James Ivory James Francis Ivory (born June 7, 1928) is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. For many years, he worked extensively with Indian-born film producer Ismail Merchant, his domestic as well as professional partner, and with screen ...
, such as ''
The Householder ''The Householder'' (Hindi title: ''Gharbar'') is a 1963 film by Merchant Ivory Productions, with a screenplay by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala and James Ivory, and direction of James Ivory. It is based upon the 1960 novel of the same name by Jhabvala. ...
'' (1963), ''
Shakespeare Wallah ''Shakespeare Wallah'' is a 1965 Merchant Ivory Productions film. The story and screenplay are by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, about a travelling family theatre troupe of English actors in India, who perform Shakespeare plays in towns across India, amid ...
'' (1965) (opposite his sister-in-law
Felicity Kendal Felicity Ann Kendal (born 25 September 1946) is an English actress, working principally in television and theatre. She has appeared in numerous stage and screen roles over a more than 70-year career, but the role that brought attention to her ...
), '' Bombay Talkie'' (1970) and ''
Heat and Dust ''Heat and Dust'' (1975) is a novel by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala that won the Booker Prize in 1975. The book was also ranked by ''The Telegraph'' in 2014 as one of the 10 all-time greatest Asian novels. Plot summary The initial stages of the nove ...
'' (1982), in which he co-starred with his wife
Jennifer Kendal Jennifer Kendal (28 February 1934 – 7 September 1984) was an English actress and the founder of the Prithvi Theatre. She was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for the film ''36 Chowringhee Lane'' (1981). Her oth ...
, '' The Deceivers'' (1988) and '' Side Streets'' (1998). He also starred in other British and American films, such as ''
Pretty Polly Pretty Polly may refer to: * "Pretty Polly" (ballad) * ''Pretty Polly'' (film) * ''Pretty Polly'' (opera) * Pretty Polly (horse) Pretty Polly (March 1901 – 17 August 1931) was an Irish-bred, British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse and bro ...
'' (''A Matter Of Innocence'') (1967) opposite Hayley Mills, '' Siddhartha'' (1972), ''
Sammy and Rosie Get Laid ''Sammy and Rosie Get Laid'' is a 1987 British film directed by Stephen Frears, with a screenplay by Hanif Kureishi. Plot Sammy and Rosie are a married couple, both leading a promiscuous bohemian lifestyle until Sammy's father comes to visit to ...
'' (1987) and '' Muhafiz'' (1994). James Ivory directed Kapoor in the first
Merchant Ivory A merchant is a person who trades in commodities produced by other people, especially one who trades with foreign countries. Historically, a merchant is anyone who is involved in business or trade. Merchants have operated for as long as indust ...
production
The Householder ''The Householder'' (Hindi title: ''Gharbar'') is a 1963 film by Merchant Ivory Productions, with a screenplay by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala and James Ivory, and direction of James Ivory. It is based upon the 1960 novel of the same name by Jhabvala. ...
, then in
Shakespeare-Wallah ''Shakespeare Wallah'' is a 1965 Merchant Ivory Productions film. The story and screenplay are by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, about a travelling family theatre troupe of English actors in India, who perform Shakespeare plays in towns across India, ami ...
, Bombay Talkie and
Heat and Dust ''Heat and Dust'' (1975) is a novel by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala that won the Booker Prize in 1975. The book was also ranked by ''The Telegraph'' in 2014 as one of the 10 all-time greatest Asian novels. Plot summary The initial stages of the nove ...
, while
Ismail Merchant Ismail Merchant (born Ismail Noor Muhammad Abdul Rahman (25 December 1936 – 25 May 2005)) was an Indian film producer, director and screenwriter. He worked for many years in collaboration with Merchant Ivory Productions which included Directo ...
directed him in '' In Custody'' (1993). He was the first Indian actor to work extensively in Hollywood films and
British films The United Kingdom has had a significant film industry for over a century. While film production reached an all-time high in 1936, the "golden age" of British cinema is usually thought to have occurred in the 1940s, during which the directors D ...
. In 1978, he set up his own production house, Film Valas, which produced critically acclaimed films such as '' Junoon'' (1978), '' Kalyug'' (1981), '' 36 Chowringhee Lane'' (1981), '' Vijeta'' (1982) and ''
Utsav ''Utsav'' (Hindi: उत्सव; English: Festival) is a 1984 Hindi erotic drama film, produced by Shashi Kapoor and directed by Girish Karnad. The film is based on play '' Mrichakatika'' ('' The Little Clay Cart'') by Śūdraka. The film s ...
'' (1984). In 1991, he produced and directed a
fantasy Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction involving Magic (supernatural), magical elements, typically set in a fictional universe and sometimes inspired by mythology and folklore. Its roots are in oral traditions, which then became fantasy ...
film titled ''
Ajooba ''Ajooba'' () is a 1990 superhero film, produced and directed by Shashi Kapoor and co-directed by Soviet filmmaker Gennadi Vasilyev. An Indian-Soviet co-production, it is loosely based on Arabic folklore such as '' One Thousand and One Nights' ...
'', which had his frequent co-star
Amitabh Bachchan Amitabh Bachchan (; born as Amitabh Shrivastav; 11 October 1942) is an Indian actor, film producer, television host, occasional playback singer and former politician known for his work in Hindi cinema. He is regarded as one of the most succe ...
and nephew
Rishi Kapoor Rishi Raj Kapoor (4 September 1952 — 30 April 2020) was an Indian actor, film director and producer who worked in Hindi films Hindi cinema, popularly known as Bollywood and formerly as Bombay cinema, refers to the film industry base ...
in the lead. Shashi Kapoor was the 2nd highest paid Hindi film actor, sharing the spot with
Dev Anand Dharamdev Pishorimal Anand (26 September 1923 – 3 December 2011), better known as Dev Anand, was an Indian actor, writer, director and producer known for his work in Hindi cinema, through a career that spanned over six decades. He was ...
from 1970 to 1975, and the 3rd third highest paid Hindi actor, sharing space with
Vinod Khanna Vinod Khanna (6 October 1946 – 27 April 2017) was an Indian actor, film producer and politician who is best known for his work in Hindi films; while also being a notable spiritual seeker. In Bollywood, he was the recipient of two Filmfare awa ...
from 1976 to 1982. The highest paid Indian actor was
Rajesh Khanna Rajesh Khanna () (; born Jatin Khanna; 29 December 1942 – 18 July 2012) was an Indian actor, film producer and politician who worked in Hindi films. He is called as the "First Superstar of Hindi cinema", he consecutively starred in a record ...
from 1970 to 1987. Shashi was paid more than co-actors
Vinod Khanna Vinod Khanna (6 October 1946 – 27 April 2017) was an Indian actor, film producer and politician who is best known for his work in Hindi films; while also being a notable spiritual seeker. In Bollywood, he was the recipient of two Filmfare awa ...
,
Amitabh Bachchan Amitabh Bachchan (; born as Amitabh Shrivastav; 11 October 1942) is an Indian actor, film producer, television host, occasional playback singer and former politician known for his work in Hindi cinema. He is regarded as one of the most succe ...
,
Jeetendra Ravi Kapoor ( ; born 7 April 1942), known mononymously by his screen name Jeetendra, is an Indian actor who is known for his work in Hindi cinema. He also serves as the chairman of the Balaji Telefilms and Balaji Motion Pictures. Early life ...
,
Rishi Kapoor Rishi Raj Kapoor (4 September 1952 — 30 April 2020) was an Indian actor, film director and producer who worked in Hindi films Hindi cinema, popularly known as Bollywood and formerly as Bombay cinema, refers to the film industry base ...
and
Randhir Kapoor Randhir Raj Kapoor (born 15 February 1947) is an Indian actor, film producer and director who worked in Hindi cinema. He was an established actor of the 1970s and received two Filmfare Award nominations. However, his career declined in the ea ...
in multi-starrer films. However,
Sanjeev Kumar Sanjeev Kumar (born Harihar Jethalal Jariwala; 9 July 1938 – 6 November 1985) was an Indian actor. He is well remembered for his versatility and genuine portrayal of his characters. He acted in genres ranging from romantic dramas to thrille ...
, Pran and
Dharmendra Dharam Singh Deol (born 8 December 1935), also known mononymously as Dharmendra, is an Indian actor, producer and politician who is known for his work in Hindi films. Known as the first " He-Man" of Bollywood, Dharmendra has worked in over 301 ...
were paid the same rate as Shashi. Among all the leading actors, only Rajesh Khanna was paid more than Shashi in the only two films they acted together – '' Prem Kahani'' and ''
Alag Alag ''Alag Alag'' is a 1985 Hindi film starring Shashi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna and Tina Munim in the lead roles, produced by Rajesh Khanna and directed by one of his favourite directors Shakti Samanta. The film is best remembered for the way it was sh ...
''. Kapoor was of particular note in the Kapoor clan. He has been the solo hero more times (61 films) and also as a lead protagonist in more Hindi films (116) than his nephews
Rishi Kapoor Rishi Raj Kapoor (4 September 1952 — 30 April 2020) was an Indian actor, film director and producer who worked in Hindi films Hindi cinema, popularly known as Bollywood and formerly as Bombay cinema, refers to the film industry base ...
,
Randhir Kapoor Randhir Raj Kapoor (born 15 February 1947) is an Indian actor, film producer and director who worked in Hindi cinema. He was an established actor of the 1970s and received two Filmfare Award nominations. However, his career declined in the ea ...
and Rajiv and even more than his brothers Raj Kapoor,
Shammi Kapoor Shammi Kapoor (born Shamsher Raj Kapoor; (pronounced ʌmːi kʌpuːɾ 21 October 1931 – 14 August 2011) was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi cinema. He is the recipient of two Filmfare Awards, winning in the categories of Best Actor f ...
and more than his grand-nephews and grand-nieces.


Later career (1987–1998)

He accepted very few roles as a character actor in films since 1987. He acted with
Pierce Brosnan Pierce Brendan Brosnan (; born 16 May 1953) is an Irish actor and film producer. He is best known as the fifth actor to play secret agent James Bond in the Bond film series, starring in four films from 1995 to 2002 (''GoldenEye'', ''Tomorrow ...
in '' The Deceivers'' (1988). He also collaborated with Sudesh Issar in 1989 for the movie titled ''Akhri Muqabla''. Shashi Kapoor requested
Amitabh Bachchan Amitabh Bachchan (; born as Amitabh Shrivastav; 11 October 1942) is an Indian actor, film producer, television host, occasional playback singer and former politician known for his work in Hindi cinema. He is regarded as one of the most succe ...
to star in his ambitious directorial debut film
Ajooba ''Ajooba'' () is a 1990 superhero film, produced and directed by Shashi Kapoor and co-directed by Soviet filmmaker Gennadi Vasilyev. An Indian-Soviet co-production, it is loosely based on Arabic folklore such as '' One Thousand and One Nights' ...
.
Amitabh Bachchan Amitabh Bachchan (; born as Amitabh Shrivastav; 11 October 1942) is an Indian actor, film producer, television host, occasional playback singer and former politician known for his work in Hindi cinema. He is regarded as one of the most succe ...
made a notable exception and agreed to do the film due to their friendship, even though at the time Amitabh was not signing any new films. The film, with a lavish budget and a mega star lineup, was classed as a hit abroad even though it did not do too well at the box office in India. Over the years it has been appreciated for its storytelling, and acting from
Amitabh Bachchan Amitabh Bachchan (; born as Amitabh Shrivastav; 11 October 1942) is an Indian actor, film producer, television host, occasional playback singer and former politician known for his work in Hindi cinema. He is regarded as one of the most succe ...
,
Rishi Kapoor Rishi Raj Kapoor (4 September 1952 — 30 April 2020) was an Indian actor, film director and producer who worked in Hindi films Hindi cinema, popularly known as Bollywood and formerly as Bombay cinema, refers to the film industry base ...
,
Shammi Kapoor Shammi Kapoor (born Shamsher Raj Kapoor; (pronounced ʌmːi kʌpuːɾ 21 October 1931 – 14 August 2011) was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi cinema. He is the recipient of two Filmfare Awards, winning in the categories of Best Actor f ...
and
Amrish Puri Amrish Puri (22 June 1932 – 12 January 2005) was an Indian actor, who was one of the most notable and important figures in Indian cinema and Theatre. He acted in more than 450 films, established himself as one of the most popular actor ...
. Kapoor also won a National (special jury) Award for his performance in the 1993 film '' In Custody'' and played the Rajah in the TV
adaptation In biology, adaptation has three related meanings. Firstly, it is the dynamic evolutionary process of natural selection that fits organisms to their environment, enhancing their evolutionary fitness. Secondly, it is a state reached by the po ...
of ''
Gulliver's Travels ''Gulliver's Travels'', or ''Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. In Four Parts. By Lemuel Gulliver, First a Surgeon, and then a Captain of Several Ships'' is a 1726 prose satire by the Anglo-Irish writer and clergyman Jonathan ...
'' (1996). In 1998, he retired from acting after his final film appearances in ''
Jinnah Muhammad Ali Jinnah (, ; born Mahomedali Jinnahbhai; 25 December 1876 – 11 September 1948) was a barrister, politician, and the founder of Pakistan. Jinnah served as the leader of the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until the ...
'' and '' Side Streets''. He was seen in the limelight at the ''Shashi Kapoor Film Festival'' held in
Muscat Muscat ( ar, مَسْقَط, ) is the capital and most populated city in Oman Oman ( ; ar, عُمَان ' ), officially the Sultanate of Oman ( ar, سلْطنةُ عُمان ), is an Arabian country located in southwestern Asia. It is s ...
,
Oman Oman ( ; ar, عُمَان ' ), officially the Sultanate of Oman ( ar, سلْطنةُ عُمان ), is an Arabian country located in southwestern Asia. It is situated on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, and spans the mouth of t ...
(September 2007). At the 55th Annual Filmfare Awards in 2010, Shashi Kapoor received the
Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award The Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, initially named Raj Kapoor Award for Lifetime Achievement after Raj Kapoor is given by the ''Filmfare'' magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Hindi films. List of honourees † - Indicates t ...
.


Personal life

Kapoor attended Don Bosco High School in
Matunga Matunga (Marathi pronunciation: aːʈuŋɡaː is a locality in the heart of Mumbai City towards downtown Mumbai. It is serviced by the Matunga Road station on the Western line, Matunga station on the Central Line and King's Circle station on ...
,
Mumbai Mumbai (, ; also known as Bombay — the official name until 1995) is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra and the ''de facto'' financial centre of India. According to the United Nations, as of 2018, Mumbai is the second- ...
. He met
English English usually refers to: * English language * English people English may also refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * ''English'', an adjective for something of, from, or related to England ** English national ide ...
actress
Jennifer Kendal Jennifer Kendal (28 February 1934 – 7 September 1984) was an English actress and the founder of the Prithvi Theatre. She was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for the film ''36 Chowringhee Lane'' (1981). Her oth ...
in
Calcutta Kolkata (, or , ; also known as Calcutta , List of renamed places in India#West Bengal, the official name until 2001) is the Capital city, capital of the Indian States and union territories of India, state of West Bengal, on the eastern ba ...
in 1956 while both were working for their respective theatre groups. Shashi was both assistant stage manager as well as an actor for his father's theatre group,
Prithvi Theatre Prithvi Theatre is one of Mumbai's best known theatres. It was built by Shashi Kapoor and his wife Jennifer Kapoor in memory of Prithviraj Kapoor, Shashi's father, who had dreamt of having a "home" for his repertory theatre company, Prithvi Th ...
.
Geoffrey Kendal Geoffrey Kendal (7 September 1909 – 14 May 1998) was an English actor and theatre director who delivered Shakespeare performances throughout India in the 1940s and 1950s. Early life and family Born Richard Geoffrey Bragg in Kendal, Westmorla ...
's Shakespearean group was also present at the same time in
Calcutta Kolkata (, or , ; also known as Calcutta , List of renamed places in India#West Bengal, the official name until 2001) is the Capital city, capital of the Indian States and union territories of India, state of West Bengal, on the eastern ba ...
and
Jennifer Jennifer or Jenifer may refer to: People *Jennifer (given name) * Jenifer (singer), French pop singer * Jennifer Warnes, American singer who formerly used the stage name Jennifer * Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer * Daniel Jenifer Film and tele ...
was Geoffrey's daughter. After their subsequent meeting, the couple fell in love and after facing initial opposition from the Kendals and support from sister-in-law
Geeta Bali Geeta Bali (born Harkirtan Kaur; 1930 ‒ 21 January 1965) was an Indian actress who appeared in Hindi language films. She was the wife of noted film actor Shammi Kapoor. Early life Geeta Bali was born as Harikirtan Kaur in Amritsar in the Pu ...
, they got married in July 1958. They acted in a number of films together, most notably in
Merchant Ivory A merchant is a person who trades in commodities produced by other people, especially one who trades with foreign countries. Historically, a merchant is anyone who is involved in business or trade. Merchants have operated for as long as indust ...
productions. They had three children:
Kunal Kapoor Kunal Kapoor may refer to: * Kunal Kapoor (actor, born 1959), Indian film actor * Kunal Kapoor (actor, born 1977), Indian actor, writer and entrepreneur * Kunal Kapoor (cricketer) (born 1987), Indian cricketer * Kunal Karan Kapoor (born 1982), In ...
,
Karan Kapoor Karan Kapoor (born 18 January 1962) is an Indian photographer, actor and model. He is the son of actors Shashi Kapoor and Jennifer Kendal. His paternal grandfather was Prithviraj Kapoor and his paternal uncles are Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor ...
and
Sanjana Kapoor Sanjana Kapoor (born 1967) is an Indian theatre personality and former film actress. She is the daughter of actors Shashi Kapoor and Jennifer Kapoor. She ran the Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai from 1993 to February 2012. Biography Sanjna Kapo ...
.
Jennifer Jennifer or Jenifer may refer to: People *Jennifer (given name) * Jenifer (singer), French pop singer * Jennifer Warnes, American singer who formerly used the stage name Jennifer * Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer * Daniel Jenifer Film and tele ...
and Shashi established
Prithvi Theatre Prithvi Theatre is one of Mumbai's best known theatres. It was built by Shashi Kapoor and his wife Jennifer Kapoor in memory of Prithviraj Kapoor, Shashi's father, who had dreamt of having a "home" for his repertory theatre company, Prithvi Th ...
on 5 November 1978 in
Mumbai Mumbai (, ; also known as Bombay — the official name until 1995) is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra and the ''de facto'' financial centre of India. According to the United Nations, as of 2018, Mumbai is the second- ...
.
Jennifer Jennifer or Jenifer may refer to: People *Jennifer (given name) * Jenifer (singer), French pop singer * Jennifer Warnes, American singer who formerly used the stage name Jennifer * Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer * Daniel Jenifer Film and tele ...
died of cancer in 1984 which shattered him. After losing her to cancer, Shashi Kapoor fell into a deep depression that he never recovered from. The English actress
Felicity Kendal Felicity Ann Kendal (born 25 September 1946) is an English actress, working principally in television and theatre. She has appeared in numerous stage and screen roles over a more than 70-year career, but the role that brought attention to her ...
is his sister-in-law. His eldest son
Kunal Kunala ( IAST: ) (263 BC – ?) was a son of Emperor Ashoka and Queen Padmavati and the presumptive heir to Ashoka, thus the heir to the Mauryan Empire which once ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent. After the departure of Mahendra, ...
is married to director
Ramesh Sippy Ramesh Sippy (born 23 January 1947) is an Indian film director and producer in Hindi cinema. He is particularly known for directing ''Sholay'' (1975), which is regarded as one of the most influential Indian film ever made. The Government o ...
's daughter.
Kunal Kunala ( IAST: ) (263 BC – ?) was a son of Emperor Ashoka and Queen Padmavati and the presumptive heir to Ashoka, thus the heir to the Mauryan Empire which once ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent. After the departure of Mahendra, ...
moved on to ad film direction and established his production house Adfilm-Valas. Shashi's daughter
Sanjana Sanjana is a common Indian female name. It may refer to: People * Sanjana Sanghi , Indian actress and model * Sanjana Kapoor, Indian actress * Sanjana Singh, India film actress * Sanjana Sarathy , Indian actress and model * Sanjjanaa Galrani, I ...
, is a theatre personality and married to wildlife conservationist
Valmik Thapar Valmik Thapar (born 1952) is an Indian naturalist, conservationist and writer. He is the author of 14 books and several articles, and has produced a range of programmes for television. Today he is one of India's most respected wildlife experts ...
. They have a son named Hamir. Shashi's younger son
Karan Karan may refer to: People * Karan (given name), an Indian given name * Karan (caste), an Indian caste * Karan Kayastha, a community of Kayastha in Bihar, India * Karan (surname) Places * Karan, Iran (disambiguation), a name for various vi ...
became successful in modeling and later settled down in
London London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of just under 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a estuary down to the North Sea, and has been a majo ...
and runs a photography company. Kapoor was admitted to the Kokilaben Hospital,
Versova, Mumbai Versova (IAST: ''Varsovā'', pronunciation: əɾsoːʋaː is an upmarket neighbourhood in north-western Mumbai. It is known for its beach and the Versova Fort. The beach of Versova recently undertook a massive clean-up effort, labelled as the ...
, for what was speculated to be chest infection, and died on 4 December 2017. According to ''The Guardian'', he was in hospital for treatment from long-standing liver and heart complications, and was always helping other patients. Officially, his cause of death was attributed to
liver cirrhosis Cirrhosis, also known as liver cirrhosis or hepatic cirrhosis, and end-stage liver disease, is the impaired liver function caused by the formation of scar tissue known as fibrosis due to damage caused by liver disease. Damage causes tissue repai ...
. His body was cremated. Kapoor and actress Sridevi, who died in 2018, were the only two Indians honored posthumously in memoriam at
90th Academy Awards The 90th Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), honored the best films of 2017, and took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. The ceremony was held on March 4, ...
.


The Shashi Kapoor Room

When Shashi Kapoor was in Kolkata to work, he could be found at room number 17 at Fairlawn Hotel. The 238 year-old hotel has been restored and renamed as Elgin Fairlawn when Elgin Hotels & Resorts took over the ownership a few years ago. This room has now been renamed as the Shashi Kapoor Room as a tribute. According to Rabindranath Paul, who has managed Elgin Fairlawn for 40 years, this was the place where Kapoor met his wife
Jennifer Kendal Jennifer Kendal (28 February 1934 – 7 September 1984) was an English actress and the founder of the Prithvi Theatre. She was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for the film ''36 Chowringhee Lane'' (1981). Her oth ...
in 1956. She was a guest alongside her family who owned a theatre company named
Shakespeareana William Shakespeare ( 26 April 1564 – 23 April 1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's nation ...
, which produced
Shakespeare William Shakespeare ( 26 April 1564 – 23 April 1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's nation ...
plays across India. The couple's children
Kunal Kapoor Kunal Kapoor may refer to: * Kunal Kapoor (actor, born 1959), Indian film actor * Kunal Kapoor (actor, born 1977), Indian actor, writer and entrepreneur * Kunal Kapoor (cricketer) (born 1987), Indian cricketer * Kunal Karan Kapoor (born 1982), In ...
,
Karan Kapoor Karan Kapoor (born 18 January 1962) is an Indian photographer, actor and model. He is the son of actors Shashi Kapoor and Jennifer Kendal. His paternal grandfather was Prithviraj Kapoor and his paternal uncles are Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor ...
and
Sanjana Kapoor Sanjana Kapoor (born 1967) is an Indian theatre personality and former film actress. She is the daughter of actors Shashi Kapoor and Jennifer Kapoor. She ran the Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai from 1993 to February 2012. Biography Sanjna Kapo ...
have stayed here subsequently.


Filmography and awards

In 2011, the
Government of India The Government of India (ISO: ; often abbreviated as GoI), known as the Union Government or Central Government but often simply as the Centre, is the national government of the Republic of India, a federal democracy located in South Asia, c ...
honored him with the
Padma Bhushan The Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award in the Republic of India, preceded by the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan and followed by the Padma Shri. Instituted on 2 January 1954, the award is given for "distinguished service ...
for his contributions to
Indian cinema The Cinema of India consists of motion pictures produced in India, which had a large effect on world cinema since the late 20th century. Major centers of film production across the country include Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, ...
.


Works

* ''Shashi Kapoor presents the Prithviwallahs'', by Shashi Kapoor, Deepa Gahlot, Prithvi Theatre (Mumbai, India). Roli Books, 2004. .


Further reading

* ''The Kapoors: The First Family of Indian Cinema'', by Madhu Jain. Penguin, Viking, 2005. .


See also

*
Kapoor Family The Kapoor family
The New York Times. 30 April 2020.
is a prominent Indian show business fa ...


References


External links

*
Non Resident Indian magazine profile of Shashi Kapoor
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kapoor, Shashi 1938 births 2017 deaths Punjabi Hindus Indian male film actors Film producers from Mumbai Hindi-language film directors Indian male child actors Male actors in Hindi cinema Punjabi people Male actors from Mumbai People from Kolkata Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in arts Don Bosco schools alumni Best Actor National Film Award winners Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipients
Shashi Shashi may refer to: Places and jurisdictions China * Shashi City (), Hubei from 1949 to 1994 *Shashi District (), Jingzhou, Hubei (historically, Shashi City) since 1994 ** Apostolic Prefecture of Shashi ** Jingmen–Shashi railway, single-trac ...
Film directors from Mumbai Deaths from cirrhosis 20th-century Indian male actors 20th-century Indian film directors Special Jury Award (feature film) National Film Award winners Filmfare Awards winners Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award winners