Veteran actor Shashi Kapoor dies at 79

Veteran actor Shashi Kapoor passed away in Mumbai on Monday. He was 79.

“Shashi Kapoor expired at 5.20 pm on December 4 at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai,” said Dr Ram Narain, Executive director of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.

The Bollywood legend was admitted to Kokilaben Ambani Hospital in Andheri on Sunday night, reportedly, for a chest infection treatment. The actor struggled with the condition even in 2014, post his bypass surgery.

Shashi Kapoor is survived by daughter Sanjana Kapoor and his two sons Kunal and Karan.

Son of Prithviraj Kapoor and brother of Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor, Shashi debuted with the 1961 film Dharmputra. He went on to appear in 116 Hindi films. He was honoured with the the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 2011. In 2015, he was bestowed with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, making him the third member of the Kapoor clan to receive the honour, after dad Prithviraj Kapoor and brother Raj Kapoor.

Shashi and his wife Jennifer Kendal established the Prithvi Theatre in November 1978 in Mumbai. Jennifer died of cancer in 1984.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the death of Shashi Kapoor. While President Ram Nath tweeted, “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,” PM Modi said, “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.”

Celebrities also took to social media to express their grief and share condolences.

Lata Mangeshkar: “Mujhe abhi pata chala ki guni Abhineta Shashi Kapoor ji ka aaj swargwas hua .Ye sunkar mujhe bahut dukh hua, wo ek bahut bhale insaan the. Meri unko vinamra shraddhanjali.”

Mahesh Bhatt: “As the skies burst and it begins to rain in this part of Mumbai. My heart is filled with deep gratitude. Thank you Sir ! You touched our lives only the way you could have.”

Karan Johar: “#RIPShashiKapoor …the most charming and enigmatic actor ever…a gentleman movie star! His legacy in film and theatre is exceptional…thoughts and prayers with the family….his work will always live on…”

Boman Irani: “Handsome is that handsome does…..He was. He did. He lives on……#RIPShashiKapoor”

Arjun Rampal: “So sad to hear the passing of the most charming #ShashiKapoor ji, really saddened by this news. Pray for his soul to find peace. Thank him for the amazing memories he gave us all. Condolences to the Kapoor family. #RIP SIR.”

Vinay Pathak: “Nothing but diligence beauty n innocence.There can never b another(the most)easy handsomeness to the eyes,to the screen.He never shied away from stopping you on the street n giving U a hug!He was my Prithvi Theatre Genie!The stage is silent. Truly a sad day ! RIP”

Jaaved Jaaferi: “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”

Rahul Bose: “Thank you for your body of work both as an actor and as a producer. Rest in peace, Sir. #ShashiKapoor”

News and image Source: Indianexpress.com