Shashi Kapoor dies at 79; few interesting facts about the first international face of Bollywood

Legendary Bollywood actor Shashi Kapoor, the romantic screen icon of '70s and '80s breathed his last at Mumbai's Kokilaben Ambani Hospital on Monday. The 'Deewar' actor was 79.

"Yes he has passed away. He had kidney problem since several years. He was on dialysis for several years," nephew Randhir Kapoor said while interacting with PTI.

According to Randhir, the funeral will take place on Tuesday morning.

"Shashi Kapoor expired at 5:20 pm on December 4 at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai," PTI quoted Dr Ram Narain from Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.

Kapoor's demise has left the Indian film industry saddened and B-town biggies like Aamir Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Akshay Kumar recalled his passion for cinema while paying homage to the legend, known for his easy charm and good nature.

Now, let's have a quick look at the childhood, acting career, personal life, and achievements of the icon.

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Childhood and debut:

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.

Kapoor 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.

Personal life:

It was 1956 when an 18-year-old Shashi Kapoor met British actress Jennifer Kendal in Calcutta. By July 1958, Shashi Kapoor and Jennifer Kendal had got married after facing initial resistance from Jennifer's family.

Shashi Kapoor suffered the biggest blow of his life after Jennifer was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer and breathed her last in the year 1984.

Career and much-loved works:

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 elder brother Raj Kapoor. Shashi Kapoor also worked as assistant director in the '50s.

Some of his memorable films include 'Deewar', 'Kabhie Kabhie', 'Namak Halal', 'Kaala Pathar' among others.

Achievements:

He was honoured with Padma Bhushan in 2011 and received the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award in 2015.

(With PTI inputs)