On Shammi Kapoor's Birth Anniversary, A Look At The Late Actor's Film Journey

Shammi Kapoor was one of the most iconic and legendary stars in Bollywood, known for his remarkable performances. Born in 1931, October 21 marks the 93rd birth anniversary of the actor. He left an indelible mark on Hindi cinema with his talent on screen.

Shammi Kapoor’s birthname was Shamsher Raj Kapoor. The actor is not among us but is still considered one of the greatest and most successful actors in the history of the film industry. He worked in over 100 films in a career spanning over five decades. The actor is also the recipient of three Filmfare Awards, including one for Best Actor.

Shammi Kapoor was born on October 21, 1931, in Mumbai to Prithviraj Kapoor and Ramsharni Mehra Kapoor. He spent a major part of his childhood in Kolkata, where his father was involved with New Theatres Studios, acting in films. He did his Montessori education in Kolkata. After returning to Mumbai, he was first admitted to St. Joseph Convent (Wadala) and then Don Bosco School. He completed his matriculation from New Era School on Hughes Road. After studying at Ramnarayan Ruia College, he joined his father’s drama company, Prithvi Theatres, and worked there for many years.

The actor started his career in 1953 with the film Jeewan Jyoti, alongside Shashikala and Leela Mishra. The film was directed by Mahesh Kaul. He worked in several films like Rail Ka Dibba (1953), Naqab (1955), Hum Sab Chor Hain, Mehbooba Shama Parwana (1954), Mem Sahib (1956) and Chor Bazar (1954), among others. Kapoor had his biggest success with Nasir Hussain’s Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957) and Dil Deke Dekho (1959).

Following the hugely successful Junglee (1961), his new image was cemented in the industry. Kapoor was a fun-loving person and often impressed the audience with his unique acting. He married actress Geeta Bali in 1955, but his wife died at just 35. Four years later, Kapoor married Neila Devi Gohil, a princess of the Gohil dynasty of Bhavnagar State. The actor passed away on August 14, 2011, at the age of 79 due to chronic kidney failure.