AMN / MUMBAI
Veteran Bollywood actor and the romantic screen icon of the 70s and 80s, Shashi Kapoor this evening after prolonged illness. He was 79. He took his last breath at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital here.
Actor Randhir Kapoor, son of veteran actor Raj Kapoor and his nephew said that his funeral will be held tomorrow morning.
Born on March 18, 1938, to the illustrious theatre and film actor Prithviraj Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor hit the limelight at the age of four while acting in plays directed and produced by his father.
The youngest of Prithviraj’s three sons, Shashi Kapoor appeared in over 175 films including some international projects. He started acting in films as a child artiste in Raj Kapoor’s films ‘Aag’ and ‘Awara’ in the late ’40s. Some of his memorable films include “Deewar”, Waqt, Jab Jab Phool Khile, Kanyadaan, Sharmilee, “Kabhie Kabhie”, “Namak Halal”, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, “Kaala Pathar” and others. He also worked in some offbeat films like ‘Chaar Diwari’ and ‘Prem Patra’.
He was honoured with Padma Bhushan in 2011 and received the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award in 2015.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu have expressed grief on the demise of Shashi Kapoor. Mr Kovind said, his support for meaningful cinema as a producer and pivotal role in the theatre movement in India too are cherished.
Mr Naidu said, Shashi Kapoor will always be remembered for the memorable roles he played in a number of films.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of versatile actor Shashi Kapoor.
He said, Shashi Kapoor’s versatility could be seen in his movies as well as in theatre, which he promoted with great passion. Mr. Modi said, his brilliant acting will be remembered for generations to come.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani has also expressed grief.
She said, Shashi Kapoor’s contribution to Indian Cinema is monumental and his passing away marks the end of an era.