Shammi said Goodbye to the world
MUMBAI: Today an era of Bollywood ended at 5:15 in the morning with the legendary actor Shammi Kapoor the name that inspired many breathed his last at the breach candy hospital in Mumbai.
The 79 year old Shammi was suffering from chronic renal failure and was on dialysis for the last few years. He was admitted to the ICU of the hospital on Saturday.
Shammi Kapoor (Shamsher Raj Kapoor was the second of the three sons born to Prithviraj (the other two being Raj Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor), his first film ‘Thokar’ was released in 1953 which had Shyama as his co-star. His unique flamboyant dancing style got him the title of ‘Elvis Presley of India’ and in the 60’s with films like ‘Junglee’, Kashmir Ki Kali’, Teesri Manzil, Professor, Evening in Paris, Dil De Ke Dekho’ Tum Sa Nahi Dekha, Brahmachari, etc. Shammi became the heart throb of many.
Shammi was the only actor in Bollywood who was quite innovative but he remained as a thorough gentleman. Shammi was amongst the first Indians to join the web revolution and have his own website.
He has also directed two films Bundalbazz starred Rajesh Khanna and Manoranjan starred Sanjeev Kumar and Zeeenat Aman. He married the talented actress Geeta Bali and after her death married the Queen of Bhavnagar Neela Devi. Shammi Kapoor is survived by his wife Neela Devi, son Aditya Raj who also an actor and daughter Kanchan Desai.
Shammi received the Filmfare Best Actor Award in 1968 for his performance in Brahmachari and Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for Vidhaata in 1982. The flamboyant veteran will be seen in his grand nephew and b-town current heart throb Ranbir Kapoor starrer ‘Rockstar’. The funeral will be held tomorrow 11:00 a.m. at his residence
