Legendary Bollywood actor Shashi Kapoor, the romantic screen icon of ‘70s and ‘80s, died this evening. He was 79.
He took his last breath at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital here. Actor Randhir Kapoor, son of veteran actor Raj Kapoor, confirmed the news. “Yes he has passed away. He had kidney problem since several years. He was on dialysis for several years,” Randhir Kapoor told PTI.
The funeral will be held tomorrow morning, he said. “Shashi Kapoor expired at 5:20 pm on December 4 at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai,” Dr Ram Narain fron Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital told PTI.
Born on March 18, 1938, to the illustrious and formidable theatre and film actor Prithviraj Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor hit the spotlight at the age of four, acting in plays directed and produced by his father. He started acting in films as a child artiste in the late ‘40s.
His best known performances as a child actor were in Aag (1948) and Awaara (1951), where he played the younger version of the character played by Raj Kapoor. Shashi Kapoor also worked as assistant director in the ‘50s.
He made his debut as a leading man in the 1961 film Dharmputra and went on to appear in more than 116 films during ‘70s and until the mid ‘80s.
Some of his memorable films include Deewar, Kabhie Kabhie, Namak Halal, Kaala Pathar and others.
He was honoured with Padma Bhushan in 2011 and received the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award in 2015.
Political leaders too paid their condolences :
A legend has passed away. Shashi Kapoor will remain in our hearts forever. My condolences to his loved ones and all his fans. pic.twitter.com/OmLvtvYZtb
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) December 4, 2017
I feel a part of me is gone. A great actor, smart, cosmopolitan, impossibly handsome & w/a name that was often confused w/mine. (My office got two calls from journalists today about my reportedly serious ill-health!) I will miss #ShashiKapoor. Condolences2his family&all his fans pic.twitter.com/fSz3jafPZJ
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 4, 2017
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2017
Condolences on the sad demise of veteran actor #ShashiKapoor ji. He was a towering personality of the silver screen & known for his impeccable acting across the world. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family. May the departed soul rest in peace.
— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) December 4, 2017
My deepest condolences on the passing away of veteran actor #ShashiKapoor.His effervescent presence on the big screen as well as at the stage shall be deeply missed. His valuable contribution to the growth of Indian Cinema,specially on world stage is also a matter of great pride. pic.twitter.com/dZChp4S1UK
— Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) December 4, 2017
This is such sad news. He was one of my all time favorite actors. Always Charming and always a gentleman…RIP? https://t.co/rK63FHyyos
— Sachin Pilot (@SachinPilot) December 4, 2017
अपने समय के सदाबहार अभिनेता, सिने जगत की महान हस्ती, शशि कपूर जी के निधन पर विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करता हूँ। #ShashiKapoor
— Jyotiraditya Scindia (@JM_Scindia) December 4, 2017
Saddened by the demise of legendary actor Shashi Kapoor ji. His contribution to Indian Cinema is monumental. Shashi ji’s passing away marks the end of an era. My deepest condolences to his loved ones, colleagues and fans. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti!
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) December 4, 2017
As soon as Shashi Kapoor’s passing away came in Bollywood went into mourning with stars tweeting their condolences
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
So sad to hear the passing of the most charming #ShashiKapoor ji, 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. #RIP SIR.
— arjun rampal (@rampalarjun) December 4, 2017
#RIPShashiKapoor …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… pic.twitter.com/U9jsAGxGET
— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) December 4, 2017
Former Indian cricketer , the explosive opener Virendar Sehwag on Twitter gave his condolences to family and friends. He said, “You will continue to inspire future generation.”
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