Shashi Kapoor is one of the most prominent and versatile actors Bollywood ever had. Many current superstars if the Indian film industry looked upon and idolised him.
His work set a benchmark in Bollywood for aspiring actors and artist. He also contributed to the development of the Indian film industry.
Born on March 18, He was the recipient of several accolades, including four National Film Awards and two Filmfare Awards, Kapoor predominantly worked in Hindi films.
For his contributions to film, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan in 2011, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
On Shashi Kapoor’s birth anniversary, here are some of the lesser-known facts of the legendary actor:
- Shashi Kapoor’s real name is Balbir Raj Kapoor, he later changed it to Shashi Kapoor.
- Dharamputra was his first film which came out in 1961
- The actor worked in a number of English films as well. These films include Shakespeare-Wallah released in 1963, The Householder released in 1965, A Matter of Innocence released in 1967, among many others.
- Shashi Kapoor worked as a child artist in the film Sangram.
- At age 18, he became an actor and an assistant stage manager.
- He was married to Jennifer Kendal, who was the daughter of Geoffrey Kendal, a prominent English theatre actor.
- He was one of the first actors to be featured in the west.
- His first directorial debut was with the film Ajooba starring Amitabh Bachchan.
- He owned his own production house known as Film Valas.
- Shashi Kapoor and his wife Jennifer Kendal established Prithvi Theatre on November 5, 1978. Currently, his daughter Sanjana Kapoor looks over the esteemed theatre.
Shashi Kapoor passed away on December 4, 2017, at age 79 due to a prolonged illness.
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