Shatrughan Sinha

Shatrughan Sinha (born Shatrughan Prasad Sinha on 9 December 1945)^[2] is an Indian film actor and politician. Apart from being member of Rajya Sabha twice he was also Union Cabinet Minister of Health and Family Welfare (Jan 2003-May 2004) and Shipping (Aug. 2004). He was elected to 15th Lok Sabha in 2009.

Early life

Sinha was born in Patna, Bihar in a Kayastha family^[4] to Bhubaneswari Prasad Sinha & Shyama Devi Sinha. He is the youngest of four brothers — Ram, Lakshman, Bharat and himself. He was educated in Patna Science College.^[3] He is an alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India Pune.^[5] Currently there's a scholarship being awarded on his name in the institute to Diploma students.^[6] He moved to Mumbai where he started his career in the film industry.^[3] He is married to former Miss India Poonam Sinha (née Chandiramani).

Acting career

Shatrughan Sinha's first acting opportunity was playing a Pakistani military officer in Dev Anand's Prem Pujari. Subsequently, he got a small role as a police inspector in Mohan Sehgal’s Sajan in 1969. The release of Prem Pujari was delayed, so his first released film was Sajan. He played supporting roles in many films before appearing in Gulzar’s Mere Apne in 1971. He was cast along with Poonam Sinha then Komal in the movie "Sabak" (1973).

He later appeared in Dulal Guha’s Dost in 1974 and in Kalicharan in 1976.

Sinha was selected by Rediff as one of the most unconventional actors in Hindi cinema (the others being Ajay Devgan, Amitabh Bachchan, Irfan Khan, Rajnikant, Shahrukh Khan, and Sunil Shetty).^[7]

In 2008, he joined as a judge on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge show, season 4 on STAR One TV. On 3 October 2009, Sinha appeared on Sony Entertainment Television Asia's show Dus Ka Dum season 2 as host for a special episode. He is currently hosting Bhojpuri version of the popular game show Kaun Banega Crorepati on Mahuaa channel.

He portrayed Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao in Ram Gopal Varma's Rakta Charitra.

Political career

Sinha won the Indian general election from Patna Sahib in Bihar. He defeated another cinema celebrity Shekhar Suman. Out of a total of 552,293 votes polled, Sinha received 316,472 votes.

He become a cabinet minister with the Government of India in the 13th Lok Sabha, holding two portfolios, the department of Health and Family Welfare (Jan 2003-May 2004), and the department of shipping (August 2004).^[8] He is currently a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. As of May 2006, he was appointed as the head of the BJP Culture and Arts Department.

Awards

Winner

• 1973 - Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards - Best Supporting Actor for 'Tanhai'.
• 2003 - "Pride of the Film Industry" at the Stardust Awards 2003.^[9]
• 2003 - Stardust Award for Lifetime Achievement.^[10]
• 2007 - National Kishore Kumar Samman.^[11]
• 2011 - Zee Cine Award for Lifetime Achievement.^[12]
• 2011 - "The ITA Scroll Of Honour" KBC regional at the Indian Television Academy Awards.^[13]

He has also received a Special Award for "contribution in Indian Cinema" at the Kalakar Awards.

Nominated

• Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor - Paras (1971)
• Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor - Dost (1974)
• Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor - Kaala Pathar (1979)
• Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Dostana (1980)

Health

On 2 July 2012, Shatrughan Sinha was admitted to Kokilaben Ambani Hospital in Andheri due to some respiratory disorder. However he was discharged on 6 July 2012 and was reported to be hale and hearty.^[14] He was hospitalised again on 11 July 2012 as he complained of breathlessness.^[15] The veteran actor underwent a bypass heart surgery in the hospital and was likely to remain there for a week.^[16] On 20 July 2012, Sinha was moved from the ICU to a private room.^[17]

Filmography

Actor:

• Woh Aadmi Bahut Kuchh Jaanta Tha (2013) (Pre-Production)
• Rakta Charitra (2010)(Hindi, Telugu, Tamil)
• Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai (2010) (to be released soon)
• Yaar Meri Zindagi (2008) .... Thakur Vikram Singh
• Aan: Men at Work (2004) ..... Sr. Inspector Vikram Singh
• Bharat Bhagya Vidhata (2002) .... Home Minister Mahendra Suryavanshi
• Papa the Great (2000) .... Biharilal
• Shaheed Uddham Singh: Alais Ram Mohammad Singh Azad (2000) .... Mohammed Khan
• Zulm-O-Sitam (1998) .... Advocate Vishwanath
• Deewana Hoon Pagal Nahi (1998)
• Hukumnama (1996)
• Dil Tera Diwana (1996) .... Mr. Kumar
• Taaqat (1995) .... Anand 'Lalbagh Ka Bhau'
• Zamaana Deewana (1995) .... Suraj Pratap Singh
• Patang (1994) .... Rabbani
• Prem Yog (1994) .... Narrator
• Chaand Kaa Tukdaa (1994) .... Zevago
• Betaaj Badshah (1994) .... Parshuram/Prashanth
• Insaaf Apne Lahoo Se (1994) .... Devilal 'Deva'
• Aulad Ke Dushman (1993) .... Rajan K. Chaudhary
• Adharm (1992) .... Avinash Verma
• Ranbhoomi (1991) .... Roopa Singh
• Iraada (1991)
• Kasba (1991) .... Dhani
• Hum Se Na Takrana (1990)
• Karishma Kali Kaa (1990) .... CID Inspector Shiv 'Shiva' Kumar
• Zakhm (1989)
• Shehzaade (1989) .... Suraj Singh
• Gola Barood (1989) .... Shambhu
• Na-Insaafi (1989) .... Vijay SinhaBilloo Badshah (1989)
• Aakhri Baazi (1989) .... Prashant Kumar/P.K.
• Santosh (1989) .... Avinash
• Aandhiyan (1989) .... Dushyant
• Jurrat (1989) .... Inspector Ram Singh
• Kaanoon Ki Awaaz (1989) .... Raghunath Prasad Rai
• Saaya (1989)
• Ganga Tere Desh Mein (1988) .... Police Inspector Ajay Nath
• Mahaveera (1988) .... Vijay Verma
• Sherni (1988) .... Inspector Rajan
• Dharam Shatru (1988)
• Dharamyudh (1988) .... Pratap Singh
• Gunahon Ka Faisla (1988) .... Birju
• Khoon Bhari Maang (1988) .... J.D.
• Mulzim (1988) .... Inspector Neeraj Kumar
• Sagar Sangam (1988) .... Insp. Arjun Sharma
• Shiv Shakti (1988)
• Zalzala (1988) .... 'Benaam' Shankar (Radha's brother)
• Hawalaat (1987) .... Gullu Badshah/Sikander Ali Khan
• Rahi (1987)
• Aag Hi Aag (1987) .... A.C.P Suraj Singh
• Loha (1987)
• Insaniyat Ke Dushman (1987) .... Advocate Kailash Nath
• Antarjali Jatra (1987) .... Baiju
• Hirasat (1987)
• Jawab Hum Denge (1987) .... Vijay Saxena
• Khudgarz (1987) .... Bihari Bhuvaneshwar Prasad Sinha
• Maha Yatra (1987) .... Chaandhal
• Asli Naqli (1986) .... Vijay
• Ilzaam (1986) .... Suraj Prasad
• Qatl (1986) .... Inspector Shatru
• Jwala (1986) .... Jwala Dutt
• Samay Ki Dharaa (1986)
• Telephone (1985)
• Yudh (1985) .... Moinuddin Khan
• Ramkali (1985) .... Inspector Sultan Singh
• Aandhi-Toofan (1985) .... Raghunath 'Raghu' Shastri
• Ameer Aadmi Gharib Aadmi (1985) .... Advocate Ashok Saxena
• Bhawani Junction (1985) .... Ram
• Hoshiyar (1985) .... Rajesh
• Kala Suraj (1985)
• Kali Basti (1985) .... Karan Singh
• Phaansi Ke Baad (1985) .... Public Prosecutor Vijay Kumar Nath
• Maati Maangey Khoon (1984) .... Harinarain "Hariya" Singh
• Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar (1984) .... Kranti Kumar
• Bad Aur Badnaam (1984)
• Dhokebaaz (1984)
• The Gold Medal (1984)
• Jeene Nahi Doonga (1984) .... Shaka
• Meraa Dost Meraa Dushman (1984) .... Shakti Singh
• Paapi Pet Ka Sawaal Hai (1984)
• Qaidi (1984) .... ASP Dinesh Jugran
• Sharara (1984)
• Qayamat (1983)
• Ganga Meri Maa (1983)
• Chor Police (1983) .... Inspector Sunil Rana
• Daulat Ke Dushman (1983)
• Kalka (1983)
• Taqdeer (1983) .... Shiva
• Teesri Aankh (1982) .... Sagar
• Haathkadi (1982) .... Inspector Sunil/Bholanath Banarsi
• Dil-E-Nadaan (1982) .... Vikram
• Do Ustad (1982)
• Log Kya Kahenge (1982)
• Mangal Pandey (1982)
• Naseeb (1981) .... Vicky (Vikram)
• Chehre Pe Chehra (1981) .... Dr. Sinha
• Naram Garam (1981) .... 'Babua' Kalishankar Bajpai
• Kranti (1981) .... Kareem Khan
• Putt Jattan De (1981) .... Jagat Singh
• Waqt Ki Deewar (1981)
• Jwalamukhi (1980) .... Rajesh
• Shaan (1980) .... Rakesh
• Dostana (1980) .... Ravi Kapoor
• Chambal Ki Kasam (1980)
• Choron Ki Baaraat (1980) .... Shekhar
• Be-Reham (1980)
• Bombay 405 Miles (1980) .... Kishan
• Do Shatru (1980)
• Nauker (1979)
• Kaala Patthar (1979) .... Mangal Singh
• Gautam Govinda (1979) .... Govinda
• Atmaram (1979)
• Bagula Bhagat (1979)
• Heera-Moti (1979) .... Vijay/Heeralal P. Srivastav/Heera
• Jaani Dushman (1979) .... Shera
• Magroor (1979) .... Ranjit Sinha/Raju
• Muqabla (1979) .... Sheru
• Vishwanath (1978) .... Vishwanath
• Amar Shakti (1978) .... Bada Kumar/Shakti Singh
• Atithee (1978) .... Navendhu M. Kumar
• Bhookh (1978)
• Chor Ho To Aisa (1978) .... Sanju P. Nath/Shankar
• Dillagi (1978) .... Advocate Shekhar
• Parmatma (1978) .... Anand
• Kotwal Saab (1977) .... Bharat Pratap Sinha
• Aadmi Sadak Ka (1977) .... Abdul
• Ab Kya Hoga (1977) .... Ram Sinha
• Naami Chor (1977)
• Safed Haathi (1977) .... Emperor
• Sat Sri Akal (1977)
• Shirdi Ke Sai Baba (1977) .... Heera
• Yaaron Ka Yaar (1977) .... Pratap/Shera
• Khaan Dost (1976) .... Rehmat Khaan
• Kalicharan (1976) .... Prabhakar/Kalicharan
• Sangram (1976)
• Santo Banto (1976)
• Anokha (1975) .... Ram/Anokha/Shambu Khanna
• Do Thug (1975)
• Jaggu (1975) .... Jagtap aka 'Jaggu'
• Kahte Hain Mujhko Raja (1975)
• Dost (1974) .... Gopichand 'Gopi' Sharma
• Badla (1974) .... Kumar/Raju
• Shaitaan (1974)
• Aa Gale Lag Jaa (1973) .... Dr. Amar
• Jheel Ke Us Paar (1973) .... Dr. J.P. Tandon
• Blackmail (1973) .... Jeevan
• Chhalia (1973)
• Ek Nari Do Roop (1973)
• Gaai Aur Gori (1973)
• Ghulam Begam Badshah (1973) .... Thakur Pratap
• Heera (1973) .... Balwant
• Kashmakash (1973)
• Pyaar Ka Rishta (1973)
• Sabak (1973)
• Samjhauta (1973)
• Shareef Budmaash (1973) .... Kanhaiyalal/Rocky (Guest appearance)
• Milap (1972) .... 5 different Characters
• Raampur Ka Lakshman (1972) .... Ram K. Bhargav/Kumar
• Bombay to Goa (1972) .... Sharma
• Babul Ki Galiyaan (1972)
• Bhai Ho To Aisa (1972) .... Ram
• Buniyaad (1972)
• Do Yaar (1972)
• Jaban (1972) .... (Guest Appearance)
• Raaste Kaa Patthar (1972) .... Arun Thakur
• Rivaaj (1972)
• Shaadi Ke Baad (1972) .... Choudhury Bishan Swaroop Singh
• Shararat (1972) .... Jagdish/Vinod Kumar
• Banphool (1971) .... Ajay
• Do Raha (1971)
• Dost Aur Dushman (1971)
• Ek Nari Ek Brahmachari (1971) .... Rajkumar S. Chaudhary
• Gambler (1971) .... Banke Bihari
• Khoj (1971)
• Mere Apne (1971) .... Chaino
• Paras (1971) .... Thakur Arjun Singh
• Parwana (1971) .... Public Prosecuter (Guest Appearance)
• Prem Pujari (1970) .... Pakistani Army Officer
• Chetna (1970) .... Ramesh
• Ek Nanhi Munni Ladki Thi (1970)
• Holi Ayee Re (1970)
• Khilona (1970) .... Bihari
• Raaton Ka Raja (1970)
• Nayeem Builder (1970)
• Jalaal Mahmood Sayeed (1970)
• Sajan (1969) .... Havaldar
• Pyar Hi Pyar (1969) .... (uncredited villain role)

Playback singer:

• Naram Garam (1981) (playback singer)
• Jwalamukhi (1980) (playback singer)
• Dost (1974) (playback singer) (uncredited)

Shashi Kapoor

Shashi Kapoor, born Balbir Raj Prithviraj Kapoor on 18 March 1938^[1] in Calcutta (now Kolkata), is an award-winning Indian film actor and film producer. He has also been a film director and assistant director in the Hindi film industry. He is a member of the Kapoor family, a film dynasty in India's Bollywood cinema. He is the younger brother of Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor, the son of Prithviraj Kapoor, the widower of Jennifer Kendal, and the father of Karan Kapoor, Kunal Kapoor, and Sanjana Kapoor.^[2] He has appeared in a 161 Hindi films where he played the solo lead hero in 62 films and co-starred in 54 multi star cast Hindi films and 21 Hindi films had him in supporting role, worked in 19 films as a child artist and made 5 guest appearances. He also did 12 English Films where he was lead protogonist in 8 films and worked as a supporting actor in 4 films.

In 2011, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India.^[3]

Career

Early Career (1960 – 1975)

Shashi Kapoor started acting in films as a child in the early 1940's appearing in several mythological films and commercial films including Meena (1944), Tadbir, and Bachpan (1945) under the name of Shashiraj. His best known performances as child artist were in Aag (1948) and Awaara (1951) where he played the younger version of the characters played by his older brother Raj Kapoor. From the age of four, Shashi had started acting in plays directed and produced by his father Prithviraj Kapoor, while travelling with Prithvi Theatres. He worked in 19 Hindi films as child artist from 1944 – 54. He got an opportunity to work as an assistant director in the film Post Box 999, the debut film of Sunil Dutt, and worked as an assistant director to Ravindra Dave in Guest House (1959) which was followed by movies such as Dulha Dulhan, Shriman Satyawadi, where Raj Kapoor was the lead hero.

Kapoor made his debut as a leading man in the 1961 film Dharmputra and went on to appear in 116 Hindi films as main lead protagonist, including 62 films as solo lead hero and 54 multi star-cast films, and 21 films as supporting actor and 5 special appearances.^{[citation needed]} Two more multi- starrers - Ek Do Teen Chaar (1980) was shelved mid-way and Chakma(1984) are unreleased – so not included in 54 milti-starcast films. He was a very popular debonair actor in Bollywood during the 60's, 70's and the mid - 80's. Kapoor’s first films in Hindi – Dharmputra, Prem Patra, Char Diwari were not commercially successful, so he started acting in English language films in 1963, including the films The Householder and Shakespeare-Wallah which were more successful. He was one of India's first actors to go international.^[4] Actress Nanda, who was an established star at this time,^{[citation needed]} signed 8 Hindi films with Kapoor even though his earlier Hindi films had not been successful, as she believed that he could deliver good performances.^{[citation needed]} Their first two films as a pair, the critically acclaimed^{[citation needed]} romantic film Char Diwari (1961) and Mehndi Lagi Mere Haath (1962) did not work, while the rest were successful at the box office.^[5] In the 1960's Kapoor acted in several romantic films opposite Nanda, including Mohabbat Isko Kahete Hain (1965), Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965), Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare (1966), Raja Saab (1969) and Rootha Na Karo (1970). In an interview in the 1990's, Kapoor declared that Nanda was his favourite heroine and that he regarded her as one of his mentors.^{[citation needed]} In another interview, Nanda stated that Shashi Kapoor was her favourite hero.^{[citation needed]}

(1976 – 1985)

Shashi Kapoor formed on screen pairs with Raakhee, Sharmila Tagore, Zeenat Aman in the late sixties till the mid eighties. Films where Kapoor acted opposite actresses such as Hema Malini, Parveen Babi, and Moushumi Chatterjee were also commercially successful. After their first movie together Sharmelee became a blockbuster, Raakhee was paired frequently with him and they acted in other successful films such as Jaanwar Aur Insaan(1972), Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Baseraa (1981), Pighalta Aasman (1985) and the critically acclaimed Trishna (1978). Other films with Rakhee like whereas Doosara Aadmi (1977), Bandhan Kuchchey Daghon Ka, Bandh Honth (1984), Zameen Aasman were disaters. Films of the pair Kapoor - Sharmila Tagore to be commercial hits include Waqt (1965), Aamne Samne (1967), Suhana Safar (1970), Aa Gale Lag Jaa (1973),^[6] Paap Aur Punya (1974), Swati (1986) but other films like the critically acclaimed New Delhi Times (1985), which fetched Kapoor a National Film Award for Best Actor in 1986^[7] My Love (1970), Anari (1975), Gehri Chot (1983), Maa Beti (1986) and Ghar Bazar (1998) were failures at the box-office. With Zeenat Aman, he had hits like Chori Mera Kaam (1975), Deewaangee (1976), Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Roti Kapda Aur Makan, Heeralal Pannalal (1978), Krodhi (1981), Pakhandi (1984) and Bhavani Junction (1985) and 2 flops - Vakil Babu (1982), Bandhan Kuchchey Dhaagon Ka (1983).

Kapoor's most popular solo hero movies include Haseena Maan Jayegi (1968) and Ek Shriman Ek Shrimati (1969) both with Babita, Kanyadan, Pyar Ka Mausam (1969) both opposite Asha Parekh, Chor Machaye Shor opposite Mumtaz and Abhinetri (1970), Aap Beati (1976), Apna Khoon, Trishul (1978), Maan Gaye Ustaad (1981), Aandhi Toofan (1985) with Hema Malini, Bezubaan with Reena Roy, Chakkar Pe Chakkar (1976), Kali Ghata, Kalyug (1981), Vijeta (1982), Pyaar Ki Jeet(1987) all with Rekha and Bepanaah (1985) with Rati Agnihotri. Other solo hits include Dil Ne Pukara (1967), Naina (1973), Phaansi (1978), Salaakhen(1975), Fakira (1976), Junoon (1979) and multi-starrer Neeyat (1980).^[8] He also worked with Rajesh Khanna in Prem Kahani.

Between 1974 and 1977, Kapoor's solo lead films were less commercially successful, which led to him accepting multi star cast films in the period 1976–85^[9] In some of his successful films from the 1970's and in early 1980's he co-starred alongside Pran in 9 films which include 7 hits Biradari, Chori Mera Kaam, Phaansi, Shankar Dada, Chakkar Pe Chakkar, Rahu Ketu and Maan Gaye Ustaad and with Amitabh Bachchan in 11 films of which Roti Kapda Makaan, Deewaar (1975), Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Trishul (1978), Kaala Patthar (1979), Suhaag (1979), Namak Halaal (1982) were commercially successful and Shaan (1980), Silsila, Do Aur Do Paanch (1980) and Akayla were flops at the box office. Shashi Kapoor was regularly cast with Sanjeev Kumar too in films like Mukti (1977), Trishul, Muqaddar (1978), Swayamvar(1980), Sawaal (1982), Pakhandi (1984). Shashi Kapoor, being a senior actor and more popular and considered better actor, was paid more than his male co stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna, Jeetendra, Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor in 1970 – 85. Exceptions being Pran, Rajesh Khanna and Sanjeev Kumar who were paid higher than Kapoor in the films they co-starred together. Although his age was in his forties in the late 70’s, being slim and still having charming looks he was cast with his nephews Randhir Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor and with younger heroines like Neetu Singh, Sulakshana Pandit, Bindiya Goswami, Rati Agnihotri and Poonam Dhillon till 1985. After the loss of his wife in 1984, Kapoor started slowly gaining weight^{[citation needed]} and this resulted him in moving to character roles^{[citation needed]} in films like Alag Alag, Ilzaam (1986), Sindoor (1987). From (1986) onwards, he became very obese and his body was in contrary to his slim and fit image from the early 60’s till (1985).^{[citation needed]}

He was also known internationally for starring in many British and American films, notably Merchant Ivory productions run by Ismail Merchant and James Ivory, such as The Householder (1963), Shakespeare Wallah (1965) (opposite his sister-in-law Felicity Kendal), Bombay Talkie (1970) and Heat and Dust (1982) in which he co-starred with his wife Jennifer Kendal, The Deceivers (1988) and Side Streets (1998). He also starred in other British and American films such as Pretty Polly A Matter Of Innocence (1967) opposite Hayley Mills, Siddhartha (1972), Sammy and Rosie Get Laid (1987), Muhafiz (1994). James Ivory directed Kapoor in the first Merchant Ivory production The Householder, then in Shakespeare-Wallah, Bombay Talkie and Heat and Dust. Ismail Merchant directed him in In Custody Muhafiz (1994).^[10] He was the first Indian actor to work extensively in Hollywood films and British films, at the kick-start of his acting stint in Bollywood, (1960) on-wards and he started doing English films due to his failure as solo lead hero between 1960 – 1965 before Mohabbat Isko Kahete Hain and Jab Jab Phool Khile in 1965 became hits.

In 1978, he set up his production house, Film Valas, which produced critically acclaimed films such as Junoon (1978), Kalyug (1981), 36 Chowringhee Lane (1981), Vijeta (1982) and Utsav (1984).^[11] In 1991 he produced and directed a fantasy film titled Ajooba which had his frequent co-star Amitabh Bachchan and nephew Rishi Kapoor in the lead but the film was a disaster at the box office.

He regarded Nanda, Pran, Dharmendra, Dev Anand, Ismail Merchant, Rajesh Khanna, Sanjeev Kumar as his closest friends from the industry since the beginning of his career and maintained cordial relations with Amitabh Bachchan, Yash Chopra, MGR, Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi Lata Mangeshkar and most of his female and male co stars.

Later Career (1987 – 1999)

He accepted very few roles as a character actor in films since 1987. He acted with Pierce Brosnan in The Deceivers (1988).^[12] He also won a National (special jury) Award for his performance in Muhafiz (In Custody) (1994). His last and most recent film appearances were in Jinnah (1998), a biographical film of Mohammed Ali Jinnah in which he was the narrator and another Merchant Ivory production titled Side Streets (1998). He has now retired from the film industry and did not appear in any film since. He was seen in the limelight at the Shashi Kapoor Film Festival held in Muscat, Oman (September 2007). At the 55th Annual Filmfare Awards, Shashi Kapoor received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.[1]

Personal Life

Kapoor attended Don Bosco High School in Matunga, Mumbai. In July 1958, he married the English actress Jennifer Kendal and they acted in a number of films together, most notably in the Merchant Ivory productions. Shashi Kapoor and Jennifer Kendal met in Calcutta in 1956 while working for their respective theatre groups. Kapoor was both assistant stage manager as well as actor for his father’s theatre group, Prithvi. Geoffery Kendal’s Shakespearana group was also present at the same time in Calcutta and Jennifer was Kendal’s daughter. After their subsequent meeting, the couple fell in love and after facing initial opposition from Kendal and support from sister-in-law Geeta Bali, they got married.^[13] They had three children: Karan Kapoor, Kunal Kapoor and Sanjana Kapoor. Jennifer and Shashi Kapoor established Prithvi theatre in 5 November 1978 in Mumbai.^[14] Kendal died of cancer in 1984 which shattered him. The English actress Felicity Kendal is his sister-in-law.

Shashi Kapoor’s children for a short while became film actors but their Caucasian looks and accented Hindi prevented them from having a successful career in Hindi films. His son Kunal is married to director Ramesh Sippy's daughter and Sanjana is married to wildlife conservationist Valmik Thapar.^[15] Kunal Kapoor moved onto ad film direction and established his production house Adfilm-Valas which is today extremely successful.^[16] Karan Kapoor became successful in modelling and later settled down in London and pursued a career in photography.

Health

On 20 July 2012, Shashi Kapoor underwent a catract surgery at Kokilaben Hospital in suburban Andheri. He was discharged from the hospital on the same day.^[17]

Awards

Civilian Award

• 2011 – Padma Bhushan by the Government of India^[3]

National Film Awards

Winner

• 1986 – National Film Award for Best Actor for New Delhi Times
• 1994 – National Film Award – Special Jury Award / Special Mention (Feature Film) for Muhafiz (1993)
• 1979 – National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi (as Producer) for Junoon

Filmfare Awards

Winner

• 2010 – Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award
• Filmfare Best Movie Award – Won
  1980 Junoon
  1982 Kalyug
• Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award – Won
  1976 Deewar – Ravi Verma

Nominated

• Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award – Nominated
  1977 Kabhi Kabhie – Vijay Khanna
  1983 Namak Halaal – Raja Singh

Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards

• BFJA Award for Best Actor
  1965 Jab Jab Phool Khile^[18] – Raja
  1988 New Delhi Times^[19] – Vikas Pande

Other Awards

• 2011 – Mohammed Rafi Award^[20]
• Lifetime Achievement Award

• 2009 – The 7th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF)^[21]
• 2009 – The 11th Mumbai Film Festival (MFF)^[22][23]

Filmography

Actor

Main article: Shashi Kapoor filmography

Producer

Filmography as Producer

Year	Film	Notes
1978	Junoon	Won 1979 National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi
1980	Kalyug
1981	36 Chowringhee Lane
1982	Vijeta
1984	Utsav
1991	Ajooba

Assistant Director

Assistant Direction Filmography

Year	Film	Notes
1991	Ajooba
1974	Manoranjan
1964	Dulha Dulhan
1960	Shriman Satyawadi
1959	Guest House
1958	Post Box 999

Director

Direction Filmography

Year	Film	Notes
1991	Ajooba	Bollywood Film
1988	Vozvrashcheniye Bagdadskogo Vora	Russian Film

Shammi Kapoor

Shammi Kapoor (Hindi: शम्मी कपूर; born Shamsher Raj Prithviraj Kapoor; 21 October 1931^[4][5] – 14 August 2012) was an Indian film actor and director. He made his film debut in 1953 with the film Jeevan Jyoti, which was a commercial failure.^[6] Kapoor acted in a series of flops from 1953 to 1957, finally breaking the chain with the hit Tumsa Nahin Dekha. He received the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in 1968 for his performance in Brahmachari and the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for Vidhaata in 1982.^[7][8] He became one of the leading actors of Hindi cinema in the 1950s and 1960s^[9] .

Part of the Kapoor family, he had an older brother, Raj Kapoor and a younger one - Shashi Kapoor. They both became successful actors. He was also the son of Prithviraj Kapoor. Kapoor married twice, first to actress Geeta Bali, which ended with her death from smallpox. His second wife was Neila Devi, whom he married in 1969.^[10] Kapoor also had an affair with his Brahmachari co-star, Mumtaz.^[11]

Early life

He was given the name Shamsher Raj Kapoor at his birth in Mumbai to film and theatre actor Prithviraj Kapoor and Ramsharni Kapoor née Mehra.^[4] Shammi was the second of the three sons born to Prithviraj (the other two being Raj Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor), both successful Bollywood actors. He spent a major portion of his childhood in Kolkata, where his father was involved with New Theatres Studios, acting in films. It was in Kolkata that he did his Montessori and Kindergarten. After coming back to Mumbai, he first went to St. Joseph's Convent (Wadala) and then, to Don Bosco School. He finished his matric schooling from New Era School at Hughes Road.

Kapoor had a short stint at Ruia College, in Matunga, Mumbai, after which he joined his father’s theatrical company Prithvi Theatres. He entered the cinema world in 1948, as a junior artiste, at a salary of Rs. 50 per month, stayed with Prithvi Theatres for the next four years and collected his last pay check of Rs. 300, in 1952. He made his debut in Bollywood in the year 1953, when the film Jeevan Jyoti was released. It was directed by Mahesh Kaul and Chand Usmani was Kapoor’s first heroine.

Film career

Debut and 1950s

Kapoor started out with the flop film Jeevan Jyoti, starring opposite Chand Usmani. After that, he acted in a series of 15 films, including Rail Ka Dibba (1953), Laila Majnu (1953), Chor Bazar (1954), Daku (1955), and Rangeen Raatein (1956).^[12] All of them failed at the box office. He often played second fiddle to more established heroines, such as Madhubala in Rail Ka Dibba and Naqab, Nutan in Laila Majnu, Shyama in Thokar and with Nalini Jaywant in Hum Sab Chor Hain. His "big break" came in 1957, with Filmistan's Nasir Hussain directed Tumsa Nahin Dekha, opposite Ameeta.^[13]

After that, he was paired opposite Asha Parekh in the film Dil Deke Dekho (1959). Both films were romantic and light-hearted, and portrayed him as a playboy who teased his heroines and lipsynced to songs in Mohammed Rafi's voice. They were both big hits and went on to be regarded as classics. Kapoor and Asha Parekh also became a popular screen couple.

1960s and stardom

In 1961, his first color film, Junglee, was released. It was a big hit, becoming the second-highest grossing film of the year, and cemented his image as a carefree playboy.^[14] He portrayed a serious, stiff businessman who never laughs, and falls in love with a village girl. He becomes carefree and jovial, but his mother doesn't approve of the marriage. After that, all his films were in the romance genre and Kapoor played similar roles.

He was often paired with new heroines, and three of them became big stars in their own right - Asha Parekh, Saira Banu, and Sharmila Tagore.^[15] Kapoor was paired opposite Saira Banu in Junglee, and opposite Sharmila Tagore in Kashmir Ki Kali.^[16][17]

In the early fifties he accepted serious roles in women oriented films like Shama Parwana (1954) with Suraiya, comedy flick Mem Sahib (1956) with Meena Kumari and thrillers like Chor Bazar (1954), which were all successful at the box office and in the tragic love story Mirza Sahiban with (1957) (a box office flop) opposite Shyama, but did not gain recognition and fame among the masses. Other than the above hits, he had fifteen films as flops to his credit till 1957. The other hits in late fifties included Mujrim (1958), Char Dil Char Rahen (1959), Raat Ke Raahi (1959). His performances in K A Abbas' Char Dil Char Raahein (1959) and Kidar Sharma's Rangeen Raatein (1956) were also noteworthy but remained underfeted.^[18] It was only after triple success of Tumsa Nahi Dekha (1957), Ujala and Dil Dil Deke Deko (both 1959), that he became popular with the audience and became a star. In the first half of the 1960s, Kapoor was seen in successful films like College Girl, Basant, Singapore, Boy Friend, Professor, Dil Tera Diwana, Vallah Kya Baat Hai, Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya, China Town, Kashmir Ki Kali, Bluff Master, Janwar and Rajkumar. Although nominated before, in 1968, he received the first Filmfare Best Actor award of his career for the film Bramhachari. He made a unique place for himself in the industry as he was the only dancing hero in Hindi films from the late fifties till early seventies. Saira Banu said in an interview "At the time when Dilip sahab, Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand ruled the industry, it was Shammi Kapoor who created a niche for himself with his unique dance moves. He used to say he didn't know how to dance but he would just listen to the music and feel it. He was the only 'dancing hero' at that time. Shammi Kapoor throughout the majority of his films specifically had India's best male playback singer Mohammed Rafi sing his songs for him. Shammi came on record by stating that "Without Rafi Saab I was incomplete". Such was the partnership that the hit numbers were a combination of Rafi's singing and the inimitable acting/dance style of Shammi that made them so memorable."^[19] He used to compose dancing steps by himself in the songs picturised on him and never needed a choreographer. This earned him the name of Elvis Presley of India.^[2][20]

His pairing opposite Southern heroines were always a success at the box office. He delivered hits opposite with Padmini gave Singapore (1960 film)B. Saroja Devi like Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya and Preet Na Jane Reet, , opposite Vyjayanthimala had hits like College Girl and Prince (1969 film). In the sixties his successful run continued until new romantic icon Rajesh Khanna entered the scene in 1969.^[21] However Shammi did have commercial successes in late sixties, like Budtameez and Sachaai with Sadhana, Latt Saheb with Nutan and Tumse Achha Kaun Hai with Babita.

In the 1970s, Kapoor’s weight problem proved an obstacle in his path of success and ended his career as a romantic hero as his films started failing. His last hit film, in which he played the lead role, was Andaz (1971). As his career as hero ended, Shammi started playing character roles in films from 1974. Shammi played Saira Banu's father in Zameer (1974), when he had been her leading man a decade earlier in Junglee (1961) and Bluff Master (1964).In 1974, he donned the hat of a director and made Manoranjan in 1974 and Bundal Baaz (1976). However, both the films failed to create magic at the box office though were critically acclaimed and have developed a cult fan following over the years. His directorial venture Manoranjan (1974), a movie inspired from Irma La Douce, had Sanjeev Kumar in lead role and Shammi played a supporting role himself. In Bundal Baaz (1976) he cast Rajesh Khanna in the main lead and Shammi played the role of a genie in the film. Critics hailed these 2 films as classics and to be ahead of its time. In the 1980s and 1990s, he continued to play supporting roles in many films and won a Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for his performance in Vidhaata (1982). His notable roles as a character actor were in Hero, Vidhaata, Hukumat, Batwara, Tahalka, Chamatkar, Namak and Prem Granth. He got the opportunity to do some films in other languages such as Bengali and Tamil in the nineties. He did a social melodrama serial called Chattan aired on Zee TV for more than a year in the 1990s. He eventually cut down on film appearances by the late 1990s and early 2000s and made his appearances in the 1999 Salman Khan and Urmila Matondkar starrer Jaanam Samjha Karo, 2002 release Waah! Tera Kya Kehna and the delayed 2006 release Sandwich. He made his last appearance in Imtiaz Ali's directorial venture Rockstar co-starring his grand-nephew Ranbir Kapoor, the grandson of his brother Raj Kapoor.

Film director Shakti Samanta directed Shammi Kapoor in six hit films like Singapore, Pagla Kahin Ka, China Town, Kashmir Ki Kali, An Evening In Paris and Jaane Anjane and quoted in an interview “I found Shammi to be a thoroughly good man. Even in his heydays, he was humble."^[22]

Personal life

In 1953, Shammi Kapoor dated Nadia Gamal, a belly dancer from Cairo.^[23] Shammi quoted in an interview that "We met in Ceylon and we were in love. Somehow things did not work out and she went back to Cairo."^[24] Kapoor met Geeta Bali in 1955, during the shooting of the film Rangeen Raaten, where he was the leading actor and she played a cameo. Geeta Bali was a well established actress and a popular star at this point of time and Shammi had not tasted any success. They fell in love during the outdoor stints of the movie at Ranikhet, an ancient Army based hill-station in the Kumaon region, but since she was a year older to him and had acted with his elder brother in Bawren Nain and his father in Anand Math, they were skeptical. Four months after they first met, they married at Banganga Temples, near Napean Sea Road of Mumbai with Hari Walia as the sole witness. They informed their parents only after their marriage. Geeta Bali also did cameo in Shammi starrer Mujrim (1958). They were paired together in Miss Coca Cola, a box office dud and Coffee House. After their marriage Geeta Bali acted in 14 films and retired from the film industry. Geeta Bali's last film as a lead was Jab Se Tumhe Dekha Hai opposite Pradeep Kumar, in which Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor made special appearances.

Shammi and Geeta lived a life of bliss in the coming years. They had a son, Aditya Raj Kapoor, on 1 July 1956, at Shirodkar's Hospital, Mumbai, a year after they were married. Five years later, in 1961, they had a daughter, Kanchan.

Tragedy struck in 1965, during the filming of Teesri Manzil. Geeta died of small pox, leaving Shammi with two small children.

In 1969, he married Neela Devi Gohil from the former royal family of Bhavnagar in Gujarat. He was gaining weight rather significantly now and this ended his career as a romantic hero in the early 1970s. Andaz (1971) was one of his last hits.

Shammi Kapoor was the founder and chairman of Internet Users Community of India (IUCI). He had also played a major role in setting up internet organizations like the Ethical Hackers Association. Kapoor also maintained a website dedicated to the Kapoor family.^[25]

In 2006, he told interviewers that he underwent dialysis three times a week. Irrepressible even then, this punishing regimen has failed to depress him. Rather, he said that he was thankful to God for giving him so much.

He died of renal failure around 5:15am on 14 August 2011 at Mumbai's Breach Candy hospital, where he was undergoing treatment for chest infection.^[26]

Death

Kapoor was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai on 7 August 2011 suffering from chronic renal failure. His condition remained serious for next few days and he was kept on ventilator support.^[27] He died on 14 August 2011, 05:15 am IST, of chronic renal failure, aged 79.^[28][29] Funeral was held on Monday, 15 August at Banganga cremation ground, Malabar Hill, Mumbai. Aditya Raj Kapoor, the actor's son, performed the last rites at the cremation. The entire Kapoor family was present to pay their last respects, including his younger brother Shashi Kapoor, sister in law Krishna Kapoor, great nephew Ranbir Kapoor, nephews Rishi, Randhir and Rajiv, Randhir's wife Babita and great nieces Karishma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor.^[30]

"I am sad to learn of Shammi Kapoor's demise. He was a great and accomplished actor." -Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh ^[31]

Awards, nominations and other recognition

• 1962 – Filmfare Nomination as Best Actor, Professor^[32]
• 1968 – Filmfare Best Actor Award, Brahmachari^[33]
• 1982 – Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award, Vidhaata^[34]
• 1995 – Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award^[35]
• 1998 – Kalakar Awards – Special Award for "contribution in Indian Cinema"^[36]
• 1999 – Zee Cine Award for Lifetime Achievement
• 2001 – Star Screen Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2001 – Anandalok Awards Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2002 – Invaluable Contribution To Indian Cinema at the IIFA.^[37]
• 2005 – Lifetime Achievement Award at the Bollywood Movie Awards^[38]
• 2008 – Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Indian cinema at the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF).^[39]
• 2009 – Phalke Legend Actor Award by the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy [1]^{[dead link]}
• Recipient of the prestigious Living Legend Award by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Indian entertainment industry.^[40]
• Rashtriya Gaurav Award^[41]
• Lifetime Achievement Maestro Award by the Whistling Woods International Institute.^[42]

==Filmography==

Main article: Shammi Kapoor filmography

== Filmografie ==

Main article: Shammi Kapoor filmografie

Shakti Kapoor

Shakti Kapoor (born 3 September 1958) is an Indian Bollywood actor. He is known as one of the leading villains in Bollywood movies for more than three decades. He has also been applauded for playing comic roles in several movies. Through the eighties and nineties, Kapoor teamed up with another senior actor Kader Khan as the comical or evil duo in over 100 films. Kapoor is one of the few Bollywood actors who played the stereotype Bollywood negative roles and negative characters with a comic touch with equal finesse.

Early Life

Shakti Kapoor was born as Sunil Kapoor (real name) in Delhi, India to a Punjabi family. He grew up in New Delhi and he did his graduation from Kirori Mal College, Delhi University. His father ran a tailor shop in Connaught Place, New Delhi. When leading actor / director Sunil Dutt offered him the role of the main villain in the movie Rocky, he thought the name 'Sunil Kapoor' was too weak for a villain, so he renamed him 'Shakti Kapoor'.

Career

As a struggler in Bollywood, initially Shakti Kapoor did many small inconsequential roles in movies, all the while looking out for a suitable role as a leading man. The years 1980-81 established Shakti Kapoor as a talented actor in Bollywood when two of his movies Qurbani and Rocky became blockbusters. He had played the role of the main villain in both these movies. The early eighties saw a spate of Bollywood "star-sons" getting launched and the film-makers found the debonair and talented Kapoor a perfect counterpart for the debuting star-sons.

In 1983, the Jeetendra-Sridevi starrer, Himmatwala and the Subhash Ghai directed movie Hero were blockbusters and Kapoor had played key villain roles in both these movies. By then he had firmly established himself as one of the most sought-after villains in Bollywood and this trend was to last for the next two decades. Through the eighties and nineties, it was observed that practically every Bollywood movie either had Kapoor or Amrish Puri playing the negative character.

In the nineties, he often diversified to positive comic roles and performed them with equal finesse. He has been nominated for the Filmfare Award in the Best Comedian category and won once, for his performance as Nandu in David Dhawan's film, Raja Babu. Some of his popular comic roles have been as Inspector Bhinde in Insaaf, Prasad in Baap Numbri Beta Dus Numbri, Crime Master Gogo in Andaz Apna Apna, Tohfa, as Batuknath in Chaalbaaz and as Goonga in Bol Radha Bol.

Kapoor has been a popular reference for mimicry artistes who emulate his style and dialogues such as "Aaaooo Lolita" from the movie Tohfa, "Main Nanha sa Chotta sa Bachcha Hoon" from the movie Chaalbaaz and "Nandu sabka bandhu, samajhta nahi hai yaar" from the movie Raja Babu.^[2][3] Since 2000, Kapoor is a regular fixture in Priyadarshan films like Hungama, Hulchul, Chup Chup Ke and Malamaal Weekly and most recently Malayalam remake Bhagam Bhag. He also acted in few Bengali films of Kolkata. In 2011, he has featured in the reality television show Bigg Boss (season 5) as one of the contestants. He has appeared in musical comedy Aasman Se Gire Khajoor Pe Atke [1],[2],[3] with his sister-in-law Padmini Kolhapure.

Personal Life

Shakti Kapoor is married to Shivangi (Padmini Kolhapure's elder sister) and has two children, a son Siddhanth Kapoor (who is DJ turned assistant director turned actor) and a daughter Shraddha Kapoor (who is an actress).

Awards

• 1995: Filmfare Best Comedian Award - Raja Babu

Selected Filmography

Further information: Shakti Kapoor filmography

• Darwaza (1978)
• Khel khiladi ka (1977)
• Jaani Dushman (1979)
• Sargam (1979)
• Rocky (1980) - R.D.
• Aasha (1980) - Mr. Shakti
• Morcha (1980)
• Qurbani (1980) - Vikram Singh
• Rocky (1981)
• Naseeb (1981)
• Satte Pe Satta (1982) - Mangal Anand
• Waqt Ke Shehzade (1982) - Shakti Singh
• Mahaan (1983)
• Himmatwala (1983)
• Tohfa (1984)
• Akalmand (1984) - Shakti
• Bhago Bhut Aaya - Jagjit / Mangal Singh
• Karma (1986) - Jagga / Jolly
• Janbaaz (1986)
• Dance Dance (1987) - Resham
• Insaaf (1987) - Insp. Bhinde
• Satyamev Jayate (1987) - Bagga
• Aag Hi Aag (1987) - Daku Gangwa
• Pyar Ka Mandir (1988) - Dilip
• Ram-Avtar (1988) - Gundappa Swami
• Vijay (1988) - Suresh Padampati
• Mujrim (1989) - Sabajdur
• Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharnii (1989)
• Chaalbaaz (1989) - Batuknath Lallan Prasad Malpani / Balma
• Maha-Sangram (1990) - Babu Kasai
• Baap Numbri Beta Dus Numbri (1990) - Prasad
• Nachnewale Gaanewale (1990)
• Bol Radha Bol (1992)
• Adharm (1992)
• Khiladi (1992) - Suresh Malhotra
• Geet (1992) - Hari Saxena
• Aankhen (1993) - Tejeshwar
• Muqabla (1993)
• Andaz Apna Apna (1994) - Crime Master Gogo
• Raja Babu (1994) - Nandu
• Khoja Babu (1995) - touching story of a Bengali boy living in Hyderabad who contracted Psoriasis.
• Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994) - Goli
• Jallaad (1995) - Shakti Jackson
• Bewafa Saman (1995) - Jailer Zalim Singh
• Yaraana (1995)- Banke
• Loafer (1996) - Ravi's Mama
• Judwaa (1997) - Rangeela
• Prithvi (1997) -
• Bhai (1997) - Bharat
• Monermanush (1997) (Bengali Movie)
• Hamaara Faisla (1998) - Swaroop Pictures (Music-Rituraj)
• Hero Hindustani (1998) - Cadbury
• Gunda (1998) - Chuttiya
• Hum Saath-Saath Hain: We Stand United (1999) - Anwar
• Heeralal Pannalal (1999) - Bhos D Ka
• Mere Aaghosh Mein (2000)
• Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega (2000) - Abdul's Uncle
• Zubeidaa (2001) - Dance Master Hiralal
• Ek Rishtaa: The Bond of Love (2001) - Ladoo Mama
• Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya (2002) - Chinni
• Talaash: The Hunt Begins... (2003) - Upadhyay
• Hungama (2003) - Teja Bhai
• Musafir (2004) - Wacko Jacko
• Hulchul (2004) - Kashinath
• Dosti: Friends Forever (2005) - Bharucha
• Malamaal Weekly (2006) - Joseph
• Chup Chup Ke (2006) - Natwar
• Bhagam Bhag (2006) - Guru
• Nehlle Pe Dehlla (2007) - Balram 'Balu' Sahni
• Bombay to Goa (2007) - A.C.P Shakti Singh
• De Dana Dan (2009) - as Musha Heerapoorwala / Suber
• Baabarr (2009) - Sarfaraaz
• No Problem (2010) - Commissioner of Police
• Naughty @ 40 (2011) - Sharafat Ali
• Bin Bulaye Baraati (2011)
• Arabeem Ottakom P. Madhavan Nayarum in Oru Marubhoomikkadha (Malayalam) (2011) - Hosni Mubarak
• Daal Mein kuch Kaala Hai (2012)
• Rabba Main Kya Karoon (2013)
• Sahasam (2013) Telugu Movie

Controversies

Casting couch controversy

In March 2005, India TV released a video, allegedly showing Shakti Kapoor asking for sexual favor from an undercover reporter posing as an aspiring actress, in return for entry into the film industry.Where he told the undercover reporter "I want to make love to you....kiss you" ^[4] According to India TV, this was a sting operation to expose the phenomenon of casting couch prevalent in Bollywood. This incident sparked a controversy in Bollywood and Kapoor was banned by the Film & Television Producers Guild of India. Association of Indian Motion Pictures and TV Programme Producers decided not to ban him as no allegations against him were proven. One week later, however, the Film & Television Producers Guild lifted the ban.^[5]

Kapoor claimed that the video clip in question was doctored and he had been framed. He said that the undercover reporter met him several times and threatened to commit suicide if he did not come to the hotel room she had booked.^[6]

Bigg Boss

Shakti Kapoor took part in Bigg Boss season 5. He was the captain of the house for the first two weeks but eventually got eliminated in the 4th week of the show.

Reality television

As Contestant

Year	Show	Place	Channel
2011	Bigg Boss (season 5)	14th Place Evicted Day 28	Colors

Shahid Kapoor

Shahid Kapoor (also known as Shahid Khattar; born on 25 February 1981) is an Indian film actor. He started his career by working in music videos and advertisements, and made his Bollywood debut with Ishq Vishk (2003) and won a Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut for his performance. He followed it with films like Fida (2004) and Shikhar (2005), and had his first major commercial success with Sooraj R. Barjatya's Vivah (2006, his biggest economic success to date). His performances in Jab We Met (2007) and Kaminey (2009) earned him nominations for the Filmfare Best Actor Award.^[1][2] Since then, he has starred in a series of commercially unsuccessful films.

Early life

Kapoor was born to actor Pankaj Kapur and actor/classical dancer Neelima Azeem on 25 February 1981. Kapoor's parents divorced when he was 3. He continued living with his mother and maternal grandparents in Press Enclave, Saket in Delhi. He shares a cordial relationship with his father and stepmother Supriya Pathak.^[3]

As a child, he studied in the school Gyan Bharathi in Delhi until the forth grade, where he shifted to Rajhans Vidyalaya, Mumbai.^[4] Kapoor has three half siblings: a sister named Sanah Kapur and brothers named Ishaan Khattar and Ruhaan Kapur; Ishaan acted with him in the movie Vaah! Life Ho To Aisi (2005). His maternal grandfather was Anwar Azeem, a noted Marxist journalist and author from Bihar.^[5] His great great grandfather was the film director, screenwriter, Urdu novelist and journalist Khwaja Ahmad Abbas more popularly known as K. A. Abbas. K.A. Abbas in turn was the grandson of Hali, the chief protégé of Urdu poet, Ghalib.^[6][7]

Career

Early career, until 2005

Before starting his career as an actor, Kapoor worked in several music videos and ads, including the Pepsi commercial with Shahrukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji post Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) and the music video Aankhon Me Tera Hi Chehra by the Aryans along with Hrishitaa Bhatt. He had already joined Shiamak Davar Institute for the Performing Arts (SDIPA) in 1995, where he was later seen in Subhash Ghai's film Taal (1999) as a background dancer in the song "Kahin Aag Lage Lag Jawe" along with actress Aishwarya Rai and opted out of the academy in 2001 or 2002, and also stopped appearing in advertisements and music videos at this time, so he could concentrate on making his Bollywood debut.^{[citation needed]}

In 2003, Kapoor played his first leading role as Rajiv Mathur, a carefree young man in Ken Ghosh's moderately successful love story Ishq Vishk.^[8] Appearing opposite Amrita Rao and Shenaz Treasurywala, the film was well received by audiences and Kapoor's performance earned him a Filmfare Best Male Debut Award. Film critic Taran Adarsh from indiaFM wrote, "Shahid Kapoor is an actor to watch. He has all the qualities to hit the top slot. Not only is he good looking, but he is an amazing performer as well. Very original as a performer [sic], the youngster has handled the dramatic and emotional moments with flourish. He is an exceptional dancer as well. All he needs to do is pick and choose his forthcoming assignments with care, so that the journey to the top slot is minus hiccups."^[9]

The following year, Kapoor joined director Ken Ghosh once again in the thriller Fida, where he co-starred alongside Kareena Kapoor and Fardeen Khan. The film failed to do well at the box office, yet Kapoor's performance was praised.^[10] The Tribune concluded, "...Shahid Kapoor shines in his role. He looks fresh. As an impulsive emotional and innocent guy, who is sucked into crime because of these very qualities, he manages to evoke your sympathies."^[11] He then appeared in the romantic comedy Dil Maange More opposite Soha Ali Khan, Tulip Joshi, and Ayesha Takia. His performance opened to mixed reviews; Rediff.com wrote that "Shahid tends to imitate Shahrukh Khan a lot. He does it well in some scenes, overdoes it in others..."^[12]

Featuring in three more films in 2005, success continued to elude Kapoor.^[13] However, his performance as Jaidev Vardhan, a man who is sucked into the world of money and greed in John M. Matthan's drama Shikhar was critically acclaimed, earning Kapoor his first Star Screen Award for Best Actor nomination. According to IndiaFM, "Shahid Kapoor is only improving with every film. He matches up to Ajay in almost all sequences."^[14]

Breakthrough, 2006–09

In 2006, Kapoor starred in 36 China Town. Revolving around the story of seven individuals and a murder, the film became a moderate success despite receiving mixed reviews from critics.^[15] Shortly after the release of the film, Kapoor's second release of the year, Priyadarshan's comedy Chup Chup Ke, followed. The film became a moderate success at the box office.^[15]

Kapoor's last release of 2006 was Sooraj R. Barjatya's romantic drama Vivah, a film depicting the journey of two individuals from engagement to marriage. Co-starring alongside Amrita Rao, the film was received favourably by most critics and became one of the highest grossing films of the year, as well as Kapoor's biggest commercial success to date.^[15][16] Kapoor's performance earned his second consecutive nomination for Best Actor at the Star Screen Awards. Taran Adarsh wrote, "Shahid Kapoor performs like never before. If he was super-cool in Ishq Vishk and showed flashes of brilliance in Fida, you've to watch him in Vivah to see his growth as a tremendous actor. He is exceptional in emotional sequences."^[17]

During the summer of 2006, Kapoor embarked on his first world tour, the Rockstars Concert, along with Bollywood stars, Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, John Abraham, Esha Deol, Mallika Sherawat and Zayed Khan.

In 2007, Kapoor appeared in two movies. His first release was Ahmed Khan's Fool and Final. The film received negative reviews and failed to do well at the box office; Kapoor's performance in the film did not receive positive reviews.^[18][19] His next release, Imtiaz Ali's romantic comedy Jab We Met, opposite Kareena Kapoor, became one of the biggest hits of the year.^[18] The film tells the story of two people with two very different personalities meeting each other on a train and how they fall in love eventually. Kapoor portrayed the character of Aditya Kashyap, a dejected young industrialist full of angst and despair. The film was well-received by critics and Kapoor's performance earned him several nominations for Best Actor at a number of award ceremonies, including Filmfare. Rajeev Masand from CNN-IBN noted, "Despite the risk of being overshadowed by Kareena, his co-star in the film, Shahid Kapur leaves an indelible impression with a performance that is understated and mature, and indeed the perfect foil to Kareena's boisterousness."^[20] Kapoor then appeared in the Aziz Mirza-directed film, Kismat Konnection (2008), opposite Vidya Balan. Upon release, the film under-performed at the box office.^[21]

In 2009, Kapoor first appeared in Vishal Bhardwaj's caper thriller Kaminey opposite Priyanka Chopra. The film was a major critical success, and also performed well at the box office. Kapoor's portrayal of twins Charlie and Guddu earned him rave reviews. Rajeev Masand from CNN-IBN wrote, "Shahid Kapur rises to the challenge of creating two entirely different characters out of Charlie and Guddu, and delivers a credible performance as each. Breaking out of his chocolate-boy image, he gives evidence of his potential when trusted with well-written roles."^[22] His second release of the year was Anurag Singh's romantic comedy Dil Bole Hadippa!, which saw him star alongside Rani Mukerji. However, the film received a tepid response at the box office and with critics.

Recent work, 2010-present

In 2010, Kapoor appeared in Ken Ghosh's film Chance Pe Dance opposite Genelia D'Souza, in which he portrayed the role of a struggling Bollywood actor.^[23] Though the film received mixed reviews from critics and was commercially unsuccessful, Kapoor's performance was well received.^[24][25] He then starred in Ahmed Khan's Paathshala in a extended cameo alongside Ayesha Takia and Nana Patekar. This was then followed by Yash Raj Films' Badmaash Company which received a positive to mixed critical reception and was a moderate success at the box office. Furthermore, his performance in the film was well received. Kapoor's last release of the year was Satish Kaushik's romantic comedy Milenge Milenge opposite Kareena Kapoor. A production delayed since 2005, it went largely unnoticed at the box office, and received negative reviews from critics.^[26]

In 2011, Kapoor appeared opposite Sonam Kapoor in Mausam (2011), a movie directed and written by Pankaj Kapoor. The film received a mixed response from critics, however his performance was generally well received. Critic Taran Adarsh wrote, "Shahid gives his all to this role, submitting himself to his director-father to mould him the way he chooses to. It won't be erroneous to state that Shahid surpasses all his previous performances, including the one in Kaminey, with this film. The film also marks the coming of age of this actor."^[27]

In June 2012, Kapoor appeared in Kunal Kohli's Teri Meri Kahaani opposite Priyanka Chopra. Despite the film receiving mixed reviews, Kapoor's performance was generally well received. Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama gave a positive review to Kapoor's performance stating, "Not many actors get the opportunity to portray three diverse roles in a single movie. But Shahid carries each of those parts with refinement, besides looking debonair in each character. There is no quizzing his performing abilities either. He pulls the act with effortlessness and panache. As a matter of fact, whenever Shahid has attempted something diverse, the results have been luminous. From playing a musician in Bollywood to a compulsive flirt in Punjab to the unflustered and trendy youngster settled in U.K., Shahid does an exceptional job. Among the three characters, his take as Javed is sure to win him accolades."^[28] Sonia Chopra of Sify.com noted, "Shahid Kapoor is so good in the film, he’s sure to increase his fan-following several fold. He’s excellent in each of the stories, and one can imagine viewers debating on where he was the best."^[29] Madhureeta Mukherjee of Times Of India also gave a positive review and said, "Shahid Kapoor is best as the badnaam shayar Javed. He uses his boyish charm effectively, dancing like the wind (in Uff and Humse Pyar Karle Tu), and cheekily winning women in every janam. Shahid seduces the audience with his style and shayari, sparking life into this cliche-riddled kahaani."^[30] However, despite the positive critical acclaim, the film failed to do well at the Indian box office,although was a moderate success in the overseas markets.^[31][32][33]

In 2013, Kapoor is shooting for two films; the first being Rajkumar Santoshi and Ramesh Taurani's masala entertainer, tentatively titled Phata Poster Nikla Hero opposite Ileana D'Cruz,^[34][35] and the other being Prabhu Deva's Rambo Rajkumar, opposite Sonakshi Sinha. Both films are expected to release by the end of 2013.^[36][37] During filming of Rambo Rajkumar, Kapoor narrowly avoided serious burns during a stunt.^[38] In July of 2013, Kapoor and Shahrukh Khan co-hosted the 14th IIFA Awards in Macao.^[39][40][41]

Kapoor has also signed Bejoy Nambiar's next untitled film, which is expected to go on floors at the end of the year.^[42]

Personal life

Kapoor identifies himself as a vegetarian.^[43] While filming Fida (2004), he began dating Kareena Kapoor.^[44] They separated during the filming of Jab We Met (2007).^[45] According to him, they remained on good terms, with him saying, "I wish her all the happiness in the world. I have great respect for her. She is a wonderful girl."^[46] Post their high profile break up, Kapoor had has decided to keep his personal life away from media attention, despite being repeatedly linked to various actresses, such as Vidya Balan, Priyanka Chopra and Nargis Fakhri.^[47][48][49]

Kapoor is legally Khattar, his stepdad Rajesh Khattar's surname, which he has written on all important legal documents of his to this day from when he was a young child, when his mother married Rajesh Khattar.^[50]

Filmography

See also: List of awards and nominations received by Shahid Kapoor

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2003	Ishq Vishk	Rajiv Mathur	Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut
2004	Fida	Jai Malhotra
2004	Dil Maange More	Nikhil Mathur
2005	Deewane Huye Paagal	Karan
2005	Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi!	Aditya "Adi" Verma
2005	Shikhar	Jaidev "Jai" Vardhan
2006	36 China Town	Raj Malhotra
2006	Chup Chup Ke	Jeetu Prasad Sharma
2006	Vivah	Prem
2007	Fool n Final	Raja/Rahul
2007	Jab We Met	Aditya Kashyap	Nominated — Filmfare Award for Best Actor
2008	Kismat Konnection	Raj Malhotra
2009	Kaminey	Charlie/Guddu	Nominated — Filmfare Award for Best Actor
2009	Dil Bole Hadippa!	Rohan Singh
2010	Chance Pe Dance	Sameer Behl
2010	Paathshaala	Rahul Prakash Udyavar
2010	Badmaash Company	Karan Kapur
2010	Milenge Milenge	Amit "Immy" Kapoor
2011	Mausam	Harinder "Harry"Singh
2012	Teri Meri Kahaani	Jawed/Govind/Krish
2013	Bombay Talkies	Himself	Special appearance in song "Apna Bombay Talkies"
2013	Phata Poster Nikla Hero	Vishwas Rao	Post-production
2013	Rambo Rajkumar		Filming
2013	Bejoy Nambiar's Untitled Next		Pre-production[51]