The nation was left in shock yesterday as the news of veteran actor Shashi Kapoor’s demise came in. The actor-producer, who most regard as a legend, had been unwell for a while now and breathed his last yesterday at the age of 79.
The youngest son of Prithviraj Kapoor, Shashi left a mark in the industry and set the bar too high with some memorable roles in films like ‘Jab Jab Phool Khile’ (1965), ‘Kabhie Kabhie’ (1976), and ‘Kalyug’ (1981). He started acting in films as a child in the late 1940s and eventually, went behind the production wheel too for some films.
Throughout his career as an actor, he appeared in more than 150 films and with each one, he won over the hearts of millions of people with not just his extremely good looks but also with his exceptional performances.
His iconic dialogues, one of them being the world-famous “Mere paas maa hai” from the movie ‘Deewar’, are here to stay for decades to come.
Needless to say, the Indian film industry is grief-stricken. As soon as the news was confirmed by his nephew Randhir Kapoor, tributes started to pour in on Twitter by the Bollywood fraternity and other celebrities.
Akshay Kumar, Virender Sehwag and Irfan Pathan like many others, recalled his iconic dialogues.
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
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
Extremely saddened by the demise of the iconic actor #ShashiKapoor. He will always stay in our hearts for his immense contribution to the Indian cinema. His dialogue ‘mere paas maa hai’ will remain as one of the most popular lines in Bollywood history. pic.twitter.com/2eFDpSYu8T
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 4, 2017
Shashi Kapoor’s ‘Babbua’ Amitabh Bachchan tweeted a link to a long blog post where he has expressed his feelings.
T 2731 – To Shashji from your ‘babbua’ .. !! https://t.co/MFYeeR1Sbb pic.twitter.com/rfzDdDtiBk
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) December 4, 2017
In his blog post, Amitabh revealed how he felt that Shashi had ‘let himself go’ after the demise of his wife Jennifer Kendal.
“He had been ailing .. somewhere he had let himself go after the passing away of his dear wife Jennifer .. I had visited him on occasion in Hospital during some of the times he had been hospitalised earlier .. but I never went to see him again .. I would never have .. I never ever wanted to see this beautiful friend and ‘samdhi’ in the state I saw him in hospital …. and I did not today, when they informed me that he had gone.”
Rest in Peace Mr. Shashi Kapoor� A celebrated Actor who always exuded kindness & love with great generosity!!! My respect & condolences to the family!!! Godspeed� pic.twitter.com/ZWuP27DOdX
— sushmita sen (@thesushmitasen) December 4, 2017
We couldn’t agree more with Sushmita and Sanjay.
His contribution to this industry will be remembered. May his soul rest in peace. Shashi Kapoor ji you will be missed always. ��
— Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay) December 4, 2017
Truly the end of an era.
An end of an era. RIP #ShashiKapoor ji.. A talent, the world had the pleasure of witnessing,..a humanitarian I had the pleasure of meeting.. a charmer the world will always remember. Condolences to the family and fans.
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) December 4, 2017
Am deeply saddened by the passing away of my co-star #ShashiKapoor. The last of that generation of Kapoors gone. A gentleman and friend gone. An era gone.. All that remains are his films…and precious memories.. 😠RIP Shashi-ji.
— Simi Garewal (@Simi_Garewal) December 4, 2017
Apart from being an actor and a producer, Shashi Kapoor and his wife Jennifer Kapoor built the Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai in memory of his father Prithviraj Kapoor, who founded ‘Prithvi Theatres’, a travelling theatre company in 1944.
pic.twitter.com/FjU46sc2DQ
— Aamir Khan (@aamir_khan) December 4, 2017
His charming looks will be embedded in all of our memories.
Handsome is that handsome does…..
He was. He did. He lives on……#RIPShashiKapoor
— Boman Irani (@bomanirani) 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
Atul Khatri puts it right.
I am convinced these are not unseasonal rains over Mumbai.
These are tears for Shri #ShashiKapoor
Started more or less the same time the news broke out
— Atul Khatri (@one_by_two) December 4, 2017
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind expressed their condolences too.
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
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