Veteran Bollywood star Shashi Kapoor dies at 79

Appearing in more than 150 films, Shahi won over fans with his charm and suave good looks

Veteran Bollywood actor Shashi Kapoor passed away on Monday after a long illness. He was 79.

Shashi died at a hospital in Mumbai in the evening, his nephew Randhir Kapoor told the Press Trust of India news agency.

"Yes, he has passed away. He had kidney problem for several years," Randhir said.

Veteran Bollywood actor #ShashiKapoor passes away in Mumbai after prolonged illness.#RIP pic.twitter.com/LShH17IpEJ

— Akashvani आकाशवाणी (@AkashvaniAIR) December 4, 2017

Shashi - the youngest son of Prithviraj Kapoor, a pioneer of Hindi film and theatre - was born in Kolkata in 1938.

My favourite shashi kapoor rests in peace today 🙏🏽 will be remembered always pic.twitter.com/hv2KQOgOyf

— Mohit Marwah (@mohitsmarwah) December 4, 2017

He began his career early, assisting in his father's travelling theatre company and appearing on stage in a production of ‘Shakuntala’, a classic Hindu love story, at the age of six.

His Bollywood career also began in childhood and he grew into a matinee idol, appearing in more than 150 Bollywood and English language films, winning over fans with his charm and suave good looks.

Debuting as a leading man in 'Dharmputra' in 1961, his most memorable roles were in films such as 'Jab Jab Phool Khile', Kabhie Kabhie, 'Silsila' and 'Do Aur Do Paanch'.

Shashi was honoured with the coveted Padmabhushan by the Indian government in 2011.

In 2015, he became the third in his family to be honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

The legendary actor was married to late English actress Jennifer Kendal, with whom he established Prithvi Theatre in 1978. He's survived by three children, Kunal Kapoor, Sanjana Kapoor and Karan Kapoor.

Condolences

https://twitter.com/aamir_khan/status/937674715325280256

You won't be forgotten. Rest in peace #ShashiKapoor ji.

— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) December 4, 2017

His contribution to this industry will be remembered. May his soul rest in peace. Shashi Kapoor ji you will be missed always. 🙏🏻

— Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay) December 4, 2017

#ShashiKapoor ji is no more... An era comes to an end... Thoughts and prayers with the family... RIP. pic.twitter.com/A0SJzf5o8x

— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) December 4, 2017

One of 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 pic.twitter.com/wXM0YSoQ45

— Jaaved Jaaferi (@jaavedjaaferi) December 4, 2017

So sad to hear about the passing away of legend Shashi Kapoor . Had the privilege of meeting him at a dinner in 1986 during a cricket series. What a personality he was-tall , shy, cultured, charming and the best looking Kapoor...RIP.

— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) December 4, 2017

RIP #ShashiKapoor sir. You were, and will always remain the coolest, most good looking hero ever! 🙏

— Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) December 4, 2017

With input from AFP