Veteran actor-filmmaker Shashi Kapoor, hailed as the "most charming, enigmatic actor" and "brave producer" by his fraternity members, died at a hospital here on Monday.
The romantic screen icon of the 70s and early 80s was 79. The cause of death was not immediately known but the news came after a period of hospitalisation at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.
"Shashi Kapoor expired at 5.20 p.m. on December 4 at Kokilaben Hospital, here," Dr Ram Narain, Executive Director of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, told IANS in a message.
Shashi Kapoor's nephew and actor Randhir Kapoor too confirmed the news.
"He has passed away," Randhir told IANS.
Shashi Kapoor made his debut with Yash Chopra's "Dharamputra" in 1961. He appeared in over 150 movies -- and 148 in Hindi and 12 in English like "The Householder" and "Shakespeare-Wallah".
Actress-politician Hema Malini, who featured with him in about 14 films like "Abhinetri" and "Trishul", tweeted: "My dear friend and co-star of many successful movies - Shashi Kapoor, is no more. He leaves behind many pleasant memories of the camaraderie we shared on the sets during our shooting schedules. RIP dear friend. I will surely miss you."
His "Siddhartha" co-star Simi Garewal was also deeply saddened by Shashi Kapoor's passing away.
"The last of that generation of Kapoors gone. A gentleman and friend gone. An era gone. All that remains are his films and precious memories."
He was the last one of the second generation of the illustrious Kapoor family to pass away. His brother Raj Kapoor died in June 1988 and Shammi Kapoor breathed his last in August 2011.
He and wife, an English theatre actress, Jennifer Kendal, who died in September 1984, had three children -- Kunal, Karan and Sanjana Kapoor.
While Shashi Kapoor often shared screen space with actresses, including Sharmila Tagore, Neetu Singh, Parveen Babi, Zeenat Aman and Rakhee, he also worked with Kendal in films like "Junoon" and "Bombay Talkie".
Veteran actor Raj Babbar also paid his tribute by saying: "Deeply saddened by the demise of the legend Shashi Kapoorji. Shall always miss your charm and your greatness. You will live in our hearts for all times to come."
Melody queen Lata Mangeshkar tweeted: "I am extremely sad about Shashi Kapoor's demise. He was very nice human being. RIP."
Actors Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgn, along with filmmakers Karan Johar, Hansal Mehta and Vivek Agnihotri poured their heart out and remembered him on Twitter.
Innumerable Bollywood dreams came to life watching your iconic dialogue, "Mere paas maa hai." Your tremendous contribution to cinema will always be remembered. RIP #ShashiKapoor ji
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) December 4, 2017
You won't be forgotten. Rest in peace #ShashiKapoor ji.
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) December 4, 2017
Rest in Peace Mr. Shashi Kapoor🙏 A celebrated Actor who always exuded kindness & love with great generosity!!! My respect & condolences to the family!!! Godspeed🙏 pic.twitter.com/ZWuP27DOdX
— sushmita sen (@thesushmitasen) December 4, 2017
His contribution to this industry will be remembered. May his soul rest in peace. Shashi Kapoor ji you will be missed always. 🙏🏻
— Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay) December 4, 2017
RIP Sir. You will be deeply missed by all🙏 #ShashiKapoor pic.twitter.com/Bkr48vvtKp
— Bipasha Basu (@bipsluvurself) December 4, 2017
Apart from showing his romantic side in films like "Sharmilee", "Satyam Shivam Sundaram" and "Kabhi Kabhie", Shashi also starred in unconventional movies like "In Custody", "Siddhartha" and "Utsav".
He also went behind the camera with films like "Junoon", "Vijeta" and "36 Chowringhee Lane" as a producer. Later, he made his directorial debut in 1991 with "Ajooba".
Among his numerous achievements, he was honoured with awards like Dadasaheb Phalke Award and Padma Bhushan.
SHASHI KAPOOR LEAVES BEHIND MEMORIES 'FOREVER'
Condolences and tributes poured in for veteran actor-filmmaker Shashi Kapoor who died at a hospital here on Monday, with celebrities like his "Siddhartha" co-star Simi Garewal terming it the end of an era, while his "Kalyug" co-star Raj Babbar, melody queen Lata Mangeshkar, filmmakers Karan Johar and Hansal Mehta paid tribute to the "most charming actor ever" who would forever remain in their memories.
Shashi Kapoor died at Kokilaben Hospital here at age 79 after a period of hospitalisation.
Here's what some of the Bollywood celebrities tweeted:
Simi Garewal: Am deeply saddened by the passing away of my co-star ShashiKapoor. The last of that generation of Kapoors gone. A gentleman and friend gone. An era gone.. All that remains are his films...and precious memories. RIP Shashiji.
Raj Babbar: Deeply saddened by the demise of the legend Shashi Kapoorji. Shall always miss your charm and your greatness. You will live in our hearts for all times to come.
Hansal Mehta: RIP Shashi Kapoor. The charming man, the brave producer, the lovely actor and my neighbour is no more.
Aamir Khan: Shashi uncle was not only a great star and a passionate filmmaker but also a wonderful human being. His work has always given Indian audiences great joy. His consideration to Indian theater was huge, Prithvi theatre is the favourite venues for both performers and audience alike. His passing away is a sad day for all of us. My condolences to Sanjana, Kunal, Karan and everyone in the family. May his soul rest in peace.
Lata Mangeshkar: I am extremely sad about Shashi Kapoor's demise. He was very nice human being. RIP.
Sanjay Dutt: His contribution to this industry will be remembered. May his soul rest in peace. Shashi Kapoor ji you will be missed always.
Am deeply saddened by the passing away of my co-star #ShashiKapoor. The last of that generation of Kapoors gone. A gentleman and friend gone. An era gone.. All that remains are his films...and precious memories.. 😭 RIP Shashi-ji.
— Simi Garewal (@Simi_Garewal) December 4, 2017
Artists like Shashi Kapoor never die. As an actor you brought charm, as a producer you brought renaissance and as a visionary you founded Prithvi, an institution that will keep nurturing artistic talent. Your body of work will keep shining. https://t.co/ix1mz8Uo8O
— Vivek Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) December 4, 2017
One of my favourites passed away today. A handsome charming gentleman who entertained us for 40+ years. His endearing smile will be embedded in my memories.
— Jaaved Jaaferi (@jaavedjaaferi) December 4, 2017
RIP #ShashiKapoor pic.twitter.com/wXM0YSoQ45
#ShashiKapoor ji is no more... An era comes to an end... Thoughts and prayers with the family... RIP. pic.twitter.com/A0SJzf5o8x
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) December 4, 2017
Karan Johar: RIP Shashi Kapoor...the most charming and enigmatic actor ever...a gentleman movie star! His legacy in film and theatre is exceptional. Thoughts and prayers with the family. His work will always live on.
Ajay Devgn: You won't be forgotten. Rest in peace #ShashiKapoor ji.
Ehsaan Noorani: RIP Shashi Kapoor. A gentleman and a visionary. Was lucky to have interacted with you during the shoot for 'Vijeyta'...in our memories forever!
Ritesh Sidhwani: Sad to hear about the passing away of our most charismatic handsome and finest actor Shashi Kapoor. Sir you will always remain in our hearts.
Jaaved Jaaferi: One of my favourites passed away today. A handsome charming gentleman who entertained us for 40 plus years. His endearing smile will be embedded in my memories. RIP Shashi Kapoor
Arjun Rampal: So sad to hear the passing of the most charming Shashi Kapoorji, really saddened by this news. Pray for his soul to find peace. Thank him for the amazing memories he gave us all. Condolences to the Kapoor family.
Mohit Marwah: My favourite Shashi Kapoor rests in peace today. Will be remembered always.
Vivek Agnihotri: Artistes like Shashi Kapoor never die. As an actor you brought charm, as a producer you brought renaissance and as a visionary you founded Prithvi, an institution that will keep nurturing artistic talent. Your body of work will keep shining.
Renuka Shahane: Khilte hain gul yahan khilke bichhadne ko.... Sad at the passing of the most charming, understated legend Shashi Kapoor sahab. Huge loss for our theatre and film industry. RIP Shashi sahab. They don't make them like you anymore.
Bipasha Basu: RIP Sir. You will be deeply missed by all. Shashi Kapoor.
Rahul Bose: Thank you for your body of work both as an actor and as a producer. Rest in peace, Sir.
Thank you Sashi Kapoor sahab. For what you did for Indian Theatre and Cinema. Thank you the Kapoor family for carrying the service forward. Tearful Salute to a man who loved the arts. Condolences to many fans like me. His family included
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) December 4, 2017
AN 'ERA HAS ENDED' SAY FRIENDS
Veteran actor-producer Shashi Kapoor, the romantic screen icon of the 70s and early 80s, died on Monday at a hospital here. He was 79.
"Shashi Kapoor expired at 5.20 p.m. on December 4 at Kokilaben Hospital, here," Dr Ram Narain, Executive Director of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, told IANS in a message.
Shashi Kapoor's nephew and actor Randhir Kapoor too confirmed the news.
"He has passed away," Randhir told IANS.
Actress Simi Garewal tweeted: "Am deeply saddened by the passing away of my co-star ShashiKapoor. The last of that generation of Kapoors gone. A gentleman and friend gone. An era gone.. All that remains are his films...and precious memories.. ?? RIP Shashi-ji."
Taran Adarsh, film critic and business analyst, tweeted: "ShashiKapoor ji is no more... An era comes to an end... Thoughts and prayers with the family... RIP."
Third and the youngest son of late Prithviraj Kapoor and brother of late Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor, Shashi underwent a cataract surgery in 2012.
Married to Anglo-Indian theatre actress Jennifer Kendal, Shashi had three children -- Kunal, Karan and Sanjana Kapoor.
Shashi made his debut with Yash Chopra's "Dharamputra" in 1961.
RISHI CANCELS FILM SHOOT TO ATTEND SHASHI KAPOOR'S FUNERAL
Actor Rishi Kapoor, who was shooting for "Rajma Chawal" in the national capital, has rushed back to Mumbai to be with his family after the demise of veteran actor-producer and his uncle Shashi Kapoor.
Shashi Kapoor, the romantic screen icon of the 1970s and early 1980s, died on Monday at a hospital in Mumbai. He was 79.
"We are the airport looking at the flight schedule, and want to reach Mumbai at the earliest. We might go tonight or tomorrow morning," Shanti Malik, who works closely with the Kapoor family, told IANS on Monday evening.
Malik also said that he doesn't know the cause of Shashi Kapoor's death, and would be in position to give out details on Tuesday morning.
We are deeply saddened by the demise of veteran actor #ShashiKapoor.
— NFAI (@NFAIOfficial) December 4, 2017
The Deewaar (1975) star was also memorable in Merchant-Ivory productions The Householder (1963) and Shakespeare Wallah (1965).
He worked as a child actor in Raj Kapoor films Aag (1948) and Awaara (1951). pic.twitter.com/DakQQuFIvB
One of the most iconic dialogues ever, #ShashiKapoor . You will continue to inspire future generation of actors. Condolences to family and friends. pic.twitter.com/QBoLf7IlPb
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 4, 2017
Shashi Kapoor RIP. The handsomest, kindest, most gentle and adorable hero, leaves countless fans totally devastated and bereft.
— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) December 4, 2017
Handsome is that handsome does.....
— Boman Irani (@bomanirani) December 4, 2017
He was. He did. He lives on......#RIPShashiKapoor
Handsome is that handsome does.....
— Boman Irani (@bomanirani) December 4, 2017
He was. He did. He lives on......#RIPShashiKapoor
The younger brother of late Raj and Shammi Kapoor, who were both actors par excellence, Shashi Kapoor started his tryst with acting at the age of four, with plays directed and produced by his father Prithviraj Kapoor.
He started acting in films as a child in the late 1940s. His best known performances as child artist were in "Aag" (1948) and "Awaara" (1951), where he played the younger version of the character played by his elder brother Raj.
When he grew up, he made his debut as a leading man in the 1961 film "Dharmputra", and went on to appear in more than 150 Hindi films.
Shashi Kapoor, whose nuanced acts in memorable films like "Deewar", "Satyam Shivam Sundaram", "Trishul" and "Kabhi Kabhie" captivated Hindi film buffs, was married to English theatre actress Jennifer Kendal.
He had three children -- Kunal, Karan and Sanjana Kapoor.
RAKISHLY GOOD LOOKING ACTOR WHO BECAME INDIA'S FIRST INTERNATIONAL STAR
The youngest of the famous Kapoor brothers of Bollywood, he did not have their one defining and enduring cinematic image -- Raj's simple, honest 'tramp' in the Charlie Chaplin tradition or Shammi's Elvis-like jiving, rebellious 'playboy' persona.
Shashi Kapoor, however, surpassed both in sheer variety of acting. Be it romantic heroes, 'common man' roles, decadent princes, aging poets and even angels, he brought the same charm and intensity to all of them.
Though among his first appearances onscreen were as a young Raj Kapoor in his elder borther's directorial debut "Aag" and the more acclaimed "Awara", his first lead role was a Hindu fanatic in Yash Chopra's bold "Dharmputra" (1961).
This happened to be one-off as Shashi, with his copybook good looks, rakish smile, infectious charm, toothy grin and languid drawl, was more suitable as a lover-boy who always got the girl. In this avatar, he once even pipped Amitabh Bachchan -- in "Kabhie Kabhie".
He was also famous as a reasonable foil to the smoldering angry man in a number of films and it was in one of these roles where he once spoke the four most iconic and immortal words in Bollywood's history - "Mere paas Ma hai" in "Deewar".
Born on March 18, 1938 in the then Calcutta to Prithviraj Kapoor and Ramsarn 'Rama' Devi, Balbir Raj 'Shashi' Kapoor not only straddled commercial and 'art' cinema, but also became India's first international star, starring in several acclaimed Ivory-Merchant films among others.
In these he was not only cast in predictable roles -- a decadent nawab ("Heat and Dust"), a prince-turned-ascetic ("Siddhartha") or a devious local notable (in "The Deceivers", opposite Pierce Brosnan) -- but also in more realistic, nuanced ones -- a lower middle-class teacher ("The Householder"), a flamboyant Bollywood star ("Bombay Talkies"), a narrator to Mohammad Ali Jinnah's life ("Jinnah") and a poet in the twilight of life and reputation ("Muhafiz"/"In Custody").
But Shashi Kapoor, for all his international prowess, was also a major player in Bollywood with appearances in 148 films between 1945 and 1998, in which he was the sole hero in 61 and a lead hero in 53 multi starrers, supporting actor in 21, did 7 guest appearances and did four roles as a child artiste (including the two RK films).
These included such evergreen hits such as B.R. Chopra's "Waqt" (where he again happened to be the youngest brother to flamboyant elder siblings Raj Kumar and Sunil Dutt), "Jab Jab Phool Khile" opposite Nanda, the madcap "Pyar Kiya Jaa" -- which happend to be among the funniest movies made in Bollywood, "Haseena Maan Jayegi" opposite Babita, who later became his sister-in-law and mother of Karishma and Kareena, "Fakira", "Kaala Patthar" -- where he held his own against Amitabh and Shatrughan Sinha, "Do Aur Do Paanch", "Silsila", "Shaan", "Namak Halaal" and "New Delhi Times", where he played a crusading newspaper editor.
Then, there were some grey roles in films like "Roti Kapada Aur Makaan", "Satyam Shivam Sundaram", "Kalyug" -- a contemporary retelling of the Mahabharata in which his character is named Karan, and is totally like his mythological namesake, including in the manner of death.
This was still not the entirety of Shashi Kapoor's contribution.
In 1980, he started his own film company, using his Bollywood earnings into making films with the likes of Shyam Bengal and Aparna Sen. These included gems like "36 Chowringee Lane", which saw his wife, veteran theatre actor Jennifer Kendall as an aging teacher in a changing, oblivious world, "Junoon", "Vijeta" -- a paean to the Indian Air Force -- "Utsav" and "Kalyug".
He also had acclaimed performances in some of them, particularly the 1857 revolt drama "Junoon" where it takes a stern Naseeruddin Shah to remind him of his duty.
His contribution was recognised with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement award in 2010 and the highest accolade -- the Dadasahab Phalke Award in 2015.
In his life too, he played several roles -- a member of an already famous film clan, marrying into another performance-inclined family -- the Kendalls, but after difficult romance with Jennifer Kendall -- India's first international star, arguably, the most handsome Hindi film actor of that period, a producer who backed some of the best independent movies in India in the 1970s and 1980s, a theatre enthusiast, the family man who did all he could to support his household, even if it meant acting in a few rather terrible (but well-paying) movies, as recent biographer Aseem Chabbra maintains.
A star definitely, he was above all he was an eminently likeable star as all his contemporaries and co-stars attest willingly. And that is ultimately what's important.
'HUM GAYAB HONE WAALO MEIN SE NAHI HAI': SHASHI KAPOOR'S FILMOGRAPHY
An actor with a charming personality, known as a thorough gentleman, and belonging to the illutrious 'Kapoor' family, Shashi Kapoor set new standards in the film industry with his choices of cinema that he acted in and also directed and produced.
Shashi Kapoor passed away here on Monday at the age of 79, but will continue to live in the hearts of many through his films.
He began his acting career as a child artist in the 1940s and his 1961 debut film "Dharmputra" as an adult catapulted him to fame.
He will be remembered forever for his hard-hitting dialogues like "Mere Pass Maa hai" from the 1975 film "Deewar", "Yeh prem rog hai ... shuru mein dukh deta hai ... bad mein bahut dukh deta hai" from the 1982 film "Namak Halaal", and "Hum gayab hone waalo mein se nahi hai ... jahan jahan se guzharte hai jalwe dikhate hai ..." from the 1981 film "Silsila".
Saddened at the passing away of legendary actor #ShashiKapoor . Heartfelt condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/nK0tYrZJYk
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 4, 2017
Deepest condolences to the Kapoor family on the passing of the legendary actor #ShashiKapoor #RIP 🙏
— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) December 4, 2017
Extremely saddened by the demise of the iconic actor #ShashiKapoor. He will always stay in our hearts for his immense contribution to the Indian cinema. His dialogue 'mere paas maa hai' will remain as one of the most popular lines in Bollywood history. pic.twitter.com/2eFDpSYu8T
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 4, 2017
He acted in more than 150 films, including some notable ones in English with Ivory-Merchant, "Shakespeare Wallah" and "The Householder", and Conrad Rooks' "Siddhartha".
Here's recalling his filmography as an actor -
1940s
1948 - "Aag" (child artist)
1950s
1950 - "Sangram" (child artist)
1951 - "Awaara" (child artist)
1960s
1961 - "Dharamputra"
1961 - "Char Diwari"
1962 - "Mehndi Lagi Mere Haath"
1962 - "Prem Patra"
1963 - "The Householder" (English film)
1963 - "Jab Se Tumhen Dekha Hai"
1963 - "Holiday in Bombay"
1963 - "Yeh Dil Kisko Doon"
1964 - "Benazir"
1965 - "Waqt"
1965 - "Mohabbat Isko Kehte Hain"
1965 - "Shakespeare Wallah" (English film)
1965 - "Jab Jab Phool Khile"
1966 - "Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare"
1966 - "Biradari"
1966 - "Pyar Kiye Jaa"
1967 - "Aamne Samne"
1967 - "Dil Ne Pukara"
1967 - "Pretty Polly"
1968 - "Haseena Maan Jayegi"
1968 - "Kanyadaan"
1969 - "Pyar Ka Mausam"
1969 - "Ek Shrimaan Ek Shrimati"
1969 - "Raja Saab"
1969 - "Jahan Pyar Mile"
1970s
1970 - "Abhinetri"
1970 - "Bombay Talkie" (English film)
1970 - "Suhana Safar"
1970 - "My Love"
1971 - "Sharmilee"
1971 - "Patanga"
1972 - "Siddhartha" (English film)
1973 - "Aa Gale Lag Jaa"
1973 - "Naina"
1974 - "Mr. Romeo"
1974 - "Vachan"
1974 - "Roti Kapda Aur Makaan"
1974 - "Chor Machaye Shor"
1975 - "Deewaar"
1975 - "Salaakhen"
1975 - "Prem Kahani"
1975 - "Chori Mera Kaam"
1976 - "Kabhi Kabhie"
1976 - "Jai Bajrang Bali"
1976 - "Shankar Dada"
1976 - "Fakira"
1976 - "Deewaangee"
1976 - "Naach Uthe Sansaar"
1977 - "Farishta Ya Qatil"
1977 - "Immaan Dharam"
1977 - "Mukti"
1977 - "Hira Aur Patthar"
1977 - "Chor Sipahee"
1977 - "Doosra Aadmi"
1978 - "Trishul"
1978 - "Heeralal Pannalal"
1978 - "Apna Khoon"
1978 - "Satyam Shivam Sundaram"
1978 - "Junoon"
1978 - "Amar Shakti"
1978 - "Phaansi"
1978 - "Muqaddar"
1978 - "Trishna"
1979 - "Suhaag"
1979 - "Duniya Meri Jeb Mein"
1979 - "Kaala Patthar"
1980s
1980 - "Do Aur Do Paanch"
1980 - "Kali Ghata"
1980 - "Kalyug"
1980 - "Shaan"
1980 - "Swayamvar"
1981 - "Krodhi"
1981 - "Kranti"
1981 - "Silsila"
1981 - "Baseraa"
1981 - "Maan Gaye Ustaad"
1982 - "Vijeta"
1982 - "Namak Halaal"
1982 - "Sawaal"
1982 - "Heat and Dust" (English film)
1983 - "Ghungroo"
1983 - "Gehri Chot - Urf: Durdesh"
1983 - "Bandhan Kuchchey Dhaagon Ka"
1984 - "Pakhandi"
1984 - "Zameen Aasman"
1986 - "New Delhi Times"
1986 - "Swati"
1986 - "Ek Main Aur Ek Tu"
1986 - "Ilzaam"
1987 - "Sammy and Rosie Get Laid" (English film)
1987 - "Pyaar Ki Jeet"
1987 - "Ijaazat"
1987 - "Sindoor"
1987 - "Naam O Nishan"
1988 - "The Deceivers" (English film)
1989 - "Clerk"
1990s
1991 - "Akayla"
1993 - "In Custody"
1998 - "Jinnah" (English film)
1998 - "Side Streets" "English film"
TV Series
1996 - "Gulliver's Travels"
