MUMBAI: Shashi Kapoor was an Indian actor and film producer who is best known for his work in Hindi films. A recipient of several accolades, including National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards, he also featured in a number of English-language international films. Shashi ji made his debut as a leading man in the 1961 film Dharmputra and went on to appear in 116 Hindi film. He was very popular in Bollywood during the 60s, 70s, and until the mid-80s. 

In an interview in 2017, his son Kunal had said that his father had to sell his sports car. Shashi's wife and Kunal's mother Jennifer Kendal also 'started selling things' because of their financial crisis.

Shashi Kapoor featured in Sharmeelee along with Raakhee, Narendra Nath, Nazir Hussain, Iftekhar, S N Banerjee, Anita Guha, Asit Sen. The film is produced by Subodh Mukherjee and directed by Samir Ganguly.

In an interview, Kunal Kapoor had said, "When my father was launched as a lead actor in Dharamputra, none of the actresses wanted to work with a newcomer. Nanda was the only actress who agreed to work with him even though she was a star at that time. My father directed only one film, Ajooba. The film was a big party on the sets. Everybody had a blast. I don't think he was interested in direction. He is an actor. Likewise, he is not a businessman to produce a film. He made great films because he gave his cast and crew whatever they wanted."

"In the late '60s, he did not have any work. We saw a lot of him then. That was also the time we discovered Goa. He sold his sports car. Mum also started selling things because we didn't have money. After Sharmeelee (1971), things changed again," he had added.

Throughout his career, Shashi featured in many hit films such as Kanyadan, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Prem Kahani, Deewaar, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Trishna, Heeralal Pannalal, Kaala Patthar, Suhaag, Silsila, Namak Halaal, and Pakhandi.

Shashi Kapoor and Jennifer Kendal have three kids: Kunal Kapoor, Karan Kapoor and Sanjana Thapar. The seasoned actor passed away in 2017, at the age of 79. In his career spanning decades, Shashi Kapoor was conferred with the prestigious Padma Bhushan honour in 2011.

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Credits: Hindustan Times