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. 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 said.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday 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.
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 #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 4, 2017
Saddened by the passing away of veteran actor, Shashi Kapoor. He will always be remembered for the memorable roles he played in a number of films. May his soul rest in peace.
— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) December 4, 2017
Saddened at his passing away. Shashi Kapoor a legend and actor will be remembered for generations for his great work in cinema
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 4, 2017
One of Indian cinema’s greats, his passing leaves a void. Rest in peace #ShashiKapoor. Our condolences to his loved ones in this time of grief. pic.twitter.com/XNR2t5SoxH
— Congress (@INCIndia) December 4, 2017
Deeply saddened to know that legendary film actor #ShashiKapoor Ji is no more. His demise is great loss to the world of cinema & marks end of an era. He will always be remembered for his charm & impeccable presence in front of the camera. My deepest condolences to the family.
— ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) December 4, 2017
One of my favourites passed away today. A handsome charming gentleman who entertained us for 40+ years. His endearing smile will be embedded in my memories.
RIP #ShashiKapoor pic.twitter.com/wXM0YSoQ45— Jaaved Jaaferi (@jaavedjaaferi) December 4, 2017