Shashi Kapoor, veteran Indian actor and legend of Bollywood has died. He 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 Times of India reported that the Bollywood legend, who was also popular in Nigeria to Indian movie lovers in the 70s, 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.
He is survived by daughter Sanjana Kapoor and his two sons Kunal and Karan.
Shashi debuted with the 1961 film Dharmputra. He went on to appear in 116 Hindi films. He was honoured with 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.
To underscore Shashi’s relevance in the Indian movie industry, both Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over his death.
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,”
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.”
