Shashi Kapoor, Bollywood legend, dead at 79

Born Balbir Raj Kapoor on March 18, 1938, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, Shashi Kapoor emerged as one of the most versatile and beloved actors in Indian cinema. He was a member of the renowned Kapoor family, which has produced some of the brightest stars in Bollywood. Shashi was the youngest son of Prithviraj Kapoor and the younger brother of legendary actors Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor.

Career and films

Shashi began his acting career at a tender age, performing on stage from age four. He gained early recognition with memorable roles in films like Aag and Awaara. However, his acting career took flight as an adult, leading to over 175 films, including 12 English-language movies. His notable films include classics such as Jab Jab Phool Khile, Deewaar, Kabhi Kabhie, Junoon, Kalyug, Namak Halaal, New Delhi Times, and In Custody.

Throughout his career, Kapoor garnered numerous awards. In 2010, he was bestowed the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2011, he received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award. Shashi Kapoor left an unforgettable mark not only on Indian cinema but also in international film circles.

Wife

Shashi Kapoor’s wife, Jennifer Kendal, was a British actress known for her work in theatre and films. She and Kapoor had three children.

Jennifer tragically died on 5 November 1978 from colon cancer, leaving Kapoor in a deep state of depression he never recovered from. He never remarried.

Death

Shashi Kapoor’s died on December 4, 2017, at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute in Mumbai. He succumbed to prolonged liver cirrhosis at the age of 79.

His final rites were performed in Mumbai, where his body was cremated.

Shashi Kapoor and actress Sridevi are the only two Indians honored posthumously in the “In Memoriam” segment at the 90th Academy Awards.