NEW DELHI: Shashi Kapoor, the embodiment of romance and charm who wooed the top leading ladies of the ’70s and ’80s on the silver screen and captivated millions of fans, died on December 4. He was 79.
The actor-producer took his last breath at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai.
“Yes, he has passed away. He had a kidney problem and was on dialysis for several years,” his nephew Randhir Kapoor, the son of the late Raj Kapoor, told PTI. The funeral would be held tomorrow morning.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of the popular actor.
“Sorry to hear of the demise of Shashi Kapoor, well-known actor, with a repertoire of Indian and international films. His support for meaningful cinema as a producer and pivotal role in the theatre movement in India too are cherished. Condolences to his family,” said Kovind in a message on Twitter.
“Shashi Kapoor’s versatility could be seen in his movies as well as in theatre, which he promoted with great passion. His brilliant acting will be remembered for generations to come. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers,” Modi tweeted.
Born on March 18, 1938 to the illustrious and formidable theatre and film actor Prithviraj Kapoor, Shashi hit the spotlight at the age of four, acting in plays directed and produced by his father.
He made his debut as a leading man in the 1961 film “Dharmputra” and went on to appear in more than 116 films during the ’70s and until the mid ’80s. The veteran actor is well-known for his roles in films like ‘Deewaar’ (1975), ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’ (1978), ‘Junoon’ (1978), ‘Shaan’ (1980), and ‘Namak Halaal’ (1982).
In 2011, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Indian government. In 2015, he became the third in his family to be honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
The legendary actor was married to late English actress Jennifer Kendal, with whom he established Prithvi Theatre in 1978.
He is survived by his daughter Sanjana, and sons Kunal and Karan.
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