By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
on His Death Anniversary
Shashi Kapoor the scion of Kapoor family known both for his interest in films & theatre, was not lucky enough to taste instant stardom. He, however, came into limelight with “ Jab Jab Phool Khile” (1965) & attained star status in true sense after the unbelievably grand success of Yash Chopra’s “ Dewaar” in 1975. Earlier , too, he gave solo hits like “Haseena Maan Jayegi” & “Pyaar Ka Mausam” but “Dewaar” made him a force to reckon with, especially in multi starrers opposite the then super star Amitabh. He was now able to rub shoulders with the top notch of the industry with many successful films alongside Bachchan – “Roti Kapda Aur Makaan”, “Kabhie Kabhie”,”Trishul”, “Suhaag”, “Kaala Patthar”, “Namak Halal” & “Deewar” all super-hits. He teamed up with the latter in 12 films of which five failed to do well.
His other notable films include “Sharmeelee”,”Kanyadaan”, “Aa Gale Lag Jaa”, “Ek Shriman Ek Shrimati”, “Chor Machaye Shor”, “Aamne Samne” & “Satyam Shivam Sundaram” opposite Zeenat Aman.The actor’s debut film was Yash Chopra directed “Dharmputra” (1961)also starring Mala Sinha & Shashikala& Rajendra Kumar in guest appearance. The film won President’s Silver Medal at National Film Awards.
I met the actor twice & stayed with him for two days when he arrived at Chandigarh for charity premiere of his film “Utsav” for a voluntary organization in 1985 which looked after homeless children. After the press conference ,the next day we went to the headquarters of the organization where homeless children lived. He spent two hour with them. A handsome personality, as he was gifted with, the actor won hearts of the media as well his fans .
He started Prithvi theatre as a tribute to his father who himself was a bigger star in his own right. His highly acclaimed film “New Delhi Times” fetched him a National Award for Best Actor in 1986. I met him again in 1990 at RK Studios.
Kapoor also featured in Hollywood & British movies- “The Householder” (1963), “Shakespeare Wallah” (1965), “Heat and Dust” (1982) “The Deceivers” (1988) and “Side Streets” (1998) directed by Tony Gerber also starring Valeria Golino, Shabana Azmi, Art Malik & Rosario Dawson.
Kapoor remained indisposed in later part of his life & remained on a wheel chair. Was bestowed with Dada Saheb Phalke Award including Padma Bhushan, three National & two Filmfare Awards.
