Shashi Kapoor tribute

BOLLYWOOD legend Shashi Kapoor passed away last month and there was a mass outpouring of grief around the world. The acclaimed actor left an impressive body of work which entertained millions across different generations. Eastern Eye went back in time to find ten films starring the popular actor you should revisit...

The Householder (1963): The English language drama saw the Bollywood actor break barriers by doing a crossover English language film. The story about a young man trying to find the secret to salvage his marriage is a rewarding tale that helped launch the legendary Merchant Ivory film banner.

Waqt (1965): The first great lost and found movie made in Bollywood also pioneered the trend of multi-starrers. Shashi Kapoor plays one of three brothers separated as youngsters, who are bought up in dramatically different environments. A movie that also stars Sunil Dutt, Raaj Kumar, Sadhana and Sharmila Tagore became massively influential.

Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965): The colourful romance boasted a standout soundtrack. The story of an heiress falling in love with a simple kind-hearted villager was a massive success. The cult classic would later be remade as Raja Hindustani (1996), which became one of the highest grossing movies of all-time.

Bombay Talkie (1970): The actor teamed up with Merchant Ivory again for this English language drama and starred opposite his wife Jennifer Kendall. The story of a British writer falling in love with a married actor would go onto become a cult classic.

Deewar (1975): One of the all-time great Bollywood films saw the actor play a dutiful police officer going up against his villainous brother, portrayed brilliantly by Amitabh Bachchan. The rip-roaring drama contained Shashi’s immortal dialogue, “mere paas maa hai”.

Kabhi Kabhie (1976): The legendary drama saw Shashi get nominated for a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting actor. One of the greatest romances ever made in Bollywood had a great star cast, an outstanding soundtrack and magnificent moments.

Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978): The ground-breaking drama produced and directed by Shashi’s elder brother Raj Kapoor revolves around the themes of inner and outer beauty. Zeenat Aman plays a career-defining role in what was ultimately a story about a man seeing the error of his ways. It also had great songs, including the now legendary title track.

Junoon (1978): The actor played the lead role and produced the drama, which would go onto win a National and Filmfare Award for Best Film. The powerful film set around the Indian mutiny of 1857 had an impressive star cast and a deeply affecting storyline.

Do Aur Do Paanch (1980): The under-rated comedy perhaps doesn’t get the credit it deserves. Shashi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan play rival criminals who land up at a private school to kidnap a young boy before seeing the error of their ways. The funny film has many hilarious moments and crackling one-liners.

Kalyug (1981): The actor played the lead role and produced the classic drama, which would go onto win the Filmfare Award for Best Film. The powerful story of warring families had standout performances from the entire cast and plenty of twists.