Shammi Kapoor: India's first rockstar

Shamsher Raj Kapoor’s passing has the nation in a fog of grief. The veteran actor was suffering from lung and kidney problems and was undergoing dialysis too. He died at the Breach Candy Hospital at 5:15 am today at the age of 79. Daughter Kanchan and son Aditya Raj Kapoor, sister-in-law Krishna Raj Kapoor and Babita Kapoor, estranged wife of Randhir Kapoor stood guard outside the ICU as he fought his last breaths on the ventilator along with other members of the Kapoor family. [caption id=“attachment_61278” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“The actor was a great internet enthusiast with his own webpage and Facebook page and was active on twitter @shamsheraj too. Reuters”] [/caption] The actor was a great internet enthusiast with his own webpage and Facebook page and was active on twitter @shamsheraj too. His flamboyance wasn’t restricted to the silver screen, he was as effusive and energetic off screen too and a huge inspiration to many an actor. Aamir Khan was a big fan of his work and a personal friend too. Aamir kickstarted the promotions for his nephew, Imran Khan’s debut film Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na in 2008, with Kapoor, having him release the music of the film. And a charming Kapoor obliged, despite being in a wheelchair. He hosted a big party at Blue Sea in Worli when he turned 75, and mingled with all his guests on a wheelchair. He attended Pran’s 90th birthday party celebrations last year and Imran’s wedding celebrations too. He used to love driving his own car, a Mercedes, and drove whenever he could, even a Mumbai-Pune trip on one occasion. He loved living the good life and was a kind and compassionate being. The word yahoo is synonymous with him as is the legendary song, Yahoo! Chahe Mujhe Koi Junglee Kahe from the film Junglee that he starred in with Saira Banu. All his films had hugely catchy, almost cult-like songs, which he was known to select himself, and infuse with the ‘Shammi magic’ once filming began. Choreography was unknown to the vibrant actor who shook his head and writhed his body to the lyrics of any song – be it a love ballad or a wild seduction. Everyone has their favourite Shammi film and Junglee, Tumsa Nahin Dekha, Brahmachari, Dil Deke Dekho, Kashmir Ki Kali, Teesri Manzil and An Evening in Paris are the first few that come to mind. Bharathi Pradhan, Editor, The Film Street Journal, a close friend of the actor met him last evening at 6pm at the Breach Candy Hospital. “I was extremely close to him and his wife, Neila and I used to drop into their home for the occasional cup of tea. Yesterday, Mrs Kapoor sent me a text message that he wasn’t look too well, so I went to meet him. He was on a ventilator and unconscious and I was very sad to see him like that. I wish I had spent more time with him. In the film industry, one doesn’t really meet stars without having some work with them, but he was not one of them for me. With his death, I have one less person to meet who I used to love meeting.” When singer Mohammad Rafi had died, Kapoor had famously said “I’ve lost my voice” and today, with his passing, the silence is deafening. The funeral for the actor will be held at 11am at Banganga in Walkeshwar and the family is waiting for Kapoor’s grandson (Aditya Raj’s son) to arrive from USA tomorrow. [fpgallery id=145] Tweets from the fraternity: @SrBachchan - Shammi Kapoor ji passed away this morning at 5:15 am .. Rushing there now .. the flamboyance and joi de vivre of the Industry lost ! Shammi ji … An entire life full of optimism and happy spirit, caring loving to all … Now suddenly silent @iHrithik - Legends like shammi kapoor do not die…he lives, inside us…around us….a journey such as his should be rejoiced…not mourned…ofcourse we’ll miss his physical presence terribly…but his magic lives on within you and me…n I will make sure my sons know the SUPERSTAR their dad admired and love the most…thank u shammi uncle….and for u I don’t want to say R.I.P, but rather D.I.H …dancing in heaven now…I love you… @akshaykumar - Live wire, flamboyant,legend are synonymous with Shammi Kapoor, the man who made me scream ‘Yahoo’ everytime I saw him onscreen,you will be missed sir, RIP. @dreamgirlhema - A very sad day for the Hindi film industry. The film fraternity has lost one of the most loved actors and a much adored human being today, Shammiji.I had the most wonderful opportunity to work with him in the films- Andaz and Meera.He was a live-wire on and off the sets. So enthusiastic about his work and very dedicated to giving his best, Shammiji’s power-packed performances touched people’s hearts and his high level of energy was not limited to acting.His presence anywhere drew attention.Although he was at the end of his career when I acted with him in Andaz,I was simply amazed at the way he performed the number, Dil, use do jo jaan dede, jaan…. The beloved Shri.Shammi Kapoor will be forever in the hearts and minds of every actor and film enthusiast as today marks the end of a youthful era. @mangeshkarlata - aaj shammi kapoor ji ke nidhan ki dukkhaadh vaarta sunkar mujhe bhot dukh hua,hamare film industry ke wo bhaot bade star the,per uuse bhi bade wo ek insan the,bahot zinda dil,aur himmat wale,wo kisi bhi mushkil ka samana badi himmat se karte the,kafi saalon se wo dialysis pe the, hafte mein 3 baar dialysis unhe lena padta tha, par phir bhi wo haste muskurate rehete the,functions me bhi jate the,jab hum logone unhe mere pitaji ke naam ka award diya tha, tab wo puna aaye the, jab dialysis nahi hota tab wo khud drive bhi karte the,wo bahot acche gayak the, unhone sangeet sikha hua tha,mujhe wo behen kehete the, mujhe unke jaane ka bahot bahot dukh hai,ishwar unki aatma ko shanti de…… @FarOutAkhtar - Mr. Shammi Kapoor. Never before - Never again. Thank you for the wonderful cinematic memories and life lessons. RIP. @kjohar24 - One of finest and strongest men I knew…we will truly miss you shammi uncle….RIP…. @shekharkapur - The great iconic Shammi Kapoor who defined an era n influenced music, dance n song even today has passed away, leaving a hollow void. @RiteishD - RIP SHAMMI KAPOOR- the most stylish actor ever- we love you n we will miss you. @TandonRaveena - Oh my god! Just read that shammi uncle no more! The answer to the mills n boon hero! Shammi Kapoor, have adored him since I was a child.

Shammi Kapoor: India's first rockstar

When singer Mohammad Rafi had died, Kapoor had famously said “I’ve lost my voice” and today, with his passing, the silence is deafening.

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