By Jagmohan Singh Barhok

On His Death Anniversary 14 August

बदन पे सितारे लपेटे हुए
ओ जान-ए-तमन्ना किधर जा रही हो
ज़रा पास आओ तो चैन आ जाए
ज़रा पास आओ तो चैन आ जाए

Born Shamsher Raj Kapoor , the romantic actor of Hindi films Shammi Kapoor is known for providing un limited entertainment to cone goers. Most of his films were musical hits & liked by the audience. “Tumsa Nahin Dekha” (1957), “Ujala”(1959), “Junglee”(1961), Dil Tera Deewana, Professor & China Town (1962), “Kashmir Ki Kali ” (1963) , “Raj Kumar” (1964), “Jaanwar”(1965), “Teesri Manzil”(1966),”An Evening In Paris” (1967), “Brahmachari”( 1968) & “Prince”(1969) were some of his popular musical hits. He was the most luckiest actor to have worked with many of the leading actresses on their debut like Sharmila Tagore & Saira Banu to name top two. Starred in over 50 movies as hero and over two dozen as supporting actor. Son of Prithviraj Kapoor, Shammi was younger to Raj Kapoor & elder to Shashi Kapoor.

In early 1950s Shammi Kapoor was infatuated with Belly Dancer Nadia Gamal of Egypt.The rendezvous was Colombo.Their affair ended when Nadia went to Egypt.Kapoor later married actress Geeta Bali. After the success of “Andaz” also starring Rajesh Khanna, Kapoor started appearing in character roles like in -Parvarish (1977), Prem Rog (1982), Vidhaata (1982), Betaab (1983), Hero (1983), Sohni Mahiwal (1984), Wanted (1984), Hukumat (1987), Daata (1989) & Tahalka (1992). Won Best Actor Filmfare Award for “Brahamchari” (1968) & Supporting Actor for “Vidhata” (1982). Most actresses liked him as a co-star.Rockstar (2011) was his last film.

Shammi Kapoor starred opposite Madhubala in “Rail Ka Dibba”(953) film had music score by Ghulam Mohammed.The two were later seen in “Naqab”(1955).He was cast opposite Geeta Bali in “Miss Coca Cola” (1955).

Some of the hits from his films include-“Jawaniyan Yeh Mast Mast Bin Piye” & “Sar Par Topi Lal, Haath Mein Resham Ka Rumal” (Tumsa Nahin Dekha),”Jhoomta Masoom, Mast Mahina”, “Tera Jalwa Jisne Dekha” & “Duniya Walon Se Door, Jalne Walon Se Door”(Ujala),”Mere Yaar Shabba Khair, Mere Yaar Shabba Khair”,”Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee”,”Kashmir Ki Kali Hoon Main”(Junglee),”Dil Tera Deewana Hai Sanam” & “Mujhe Kitna Pyar Hai Tumse”(Dil Tera Deewana),”Aye Gulbadan”,”Khuli Palak Mein Jhoota Gussa” & “Aawaz Deke Humein Tum Bulao”(Professor),”Aisa Mauka Phir Kahan Milga”(An Evening In Paris),”Badan Pe Sitare Lapete Hue” (Prince),”O Haseena Zulfonwali Jaan-E-Jahan” (Teesri Manzil),”Tumse Achha Kaun Hai”(film-Tumse Achha Kaun Hai),”Aajkal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche”(Brahmachari),”Taarif Karoon Kya Uski” & “Deewana Hua Badal, Sawan Ki Ghata Chhayi”(Kashmir Ki Kali),”Tumne Kisi Ki Jaan Ko Jate Hue Dekha Hai” & “Tumne Pukara Aur Hum Chale Aaye” (Rajkumar).

Worked until he breathed his last. Died 14 August 2011.