Shammi Kapoor Biography Birthday Movies Family Struggles Net Worth Age

Know more about Shammi Kapoor’s Age, Family, Biography, Relationships, and Career. Keep reading more to get interesting facts about Shammi Kapoor.

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Shammi Kapoor’s Biography

Shamsher Raj Kapoor aka Shammi Kapoor was a celebrated Indian actor who was born on 21 October 1931. He has primarily worked in Hindi Cinema and has been awarded with distinct honors including Filmfare and the IIFA. He has also been dignified with Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.He made his film debut with Jeewan Jyoti which was proved unsuccessful. His initial breakthrough was with Tumsa Nahi Dekha (1957) which gave him the image of a dancer and playboy. He further earned recognition through his blockbuster hit Junglee (1961). He even directed two films viz. Manoranjan (1974) and Bundal Baaz (1976).

Kapoor passed away on 14 August 2011 from chronic kidney failure at the age of 79 years. He was barely 2 months and 7 days shy of turning 80.

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Shammi Kapoor’s Age

Shammi Kapoor was aged 79 years at the time of his death.Shammi Kapoor passed away on 14 August 2011. Shammi Kapoor’s birthdate is 21 October 1931. Shammi Kapoor’s zodiac sign is Libra.

Shammi Kapoor’s Childhood and Education

Shammi Kapoor’s birth name was Shamsher Raj Kapoor. He was born to Prithviraj Kapoor and Ramsharni Kapoor. Shammi Kapoor had 2 brothers Raj Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor.

Shammi Kapoor had spent a significant portion of his childhood in Kolkata because his father was involved with New Theatres Studios. Shammi Kapoor did his Montessori and Kindergarten education in Kolkata. After moving back to Mumbai he initially attended St. Joseph’s Convent and then Don Bosco School. He completed his matric schooling at Hughes Road.After his short spell at Ramnarain Rula College he joined his father’s company Prithvi Theatres. In 1948 he made his entrance into the world of cinema by working as a junior artiste at a monthly salary of Rs. 50.

Shammi Kapoor’s Family

Shammi Kapoor’s birthname was Shamsher Raj Kapoor. He was born to Prithviraj Kapoor and Ramsharni Kapoor. He had 2 siblings Raj Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor both triumphant actors in Hindi Cinema.

Shammi Kapoor’s Girlfriends

Shammi Kapoor And Nutan

Shammi Kapoor and Nutan were childhood friends. His father and her mother were good friends so they used to meet quite often. They both apparently started dating even before they started to do films together. Kapoor himself opened up “We had a sort of calf love going between us.

It’s rumored that he actually wanted to marry her but Motilal a close friend of Nutan’s mother didn’t allow it. Their love story ended when Nutan moved to a finishing school in Switzerland.

Shammi Kapoor and Nadia Gamal (1953-1955)

Nadia was a famous bell dancer from Cairo Egypt. They both met in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon). Shammi Kapoor was stunned by her beauty and proposed to her on the fourth day of meeting her and she gladly accepted. Kapoor was even convinced to settle in Egypt with Nadia. Both were pretty young at that time; Kapoor was 22 and Nadia was 17 so they decided not to hurry and waited for 5 years but their romance pretty much ended when Nadia returned to Cairo.

Shammi Kapoor and Bina Ramani (1968)

Bina Ramani was a socialite and she met Shammi Kapoor through a secret project that Kapoor’s Bhabhi has planned. They both met at an arranged dinner at the Ritz Hotel. With the help of Shammi Kapoor’s Bhabhi many occasions were managed where they both would either meet in private or ‘run into each other’ publicly. But Shammi Kapoor’s brother and Bina’s parents were against the union

Shammi Kapoor and Mumtaz (1968)

Shammi Kapoor fell in love with the jolly and chirpy actress while shooting beside her in the film Brahmachari (1968). He even proposed to her but their short romance hit a dead end when she would have to quit her acting career after the marriage as the women in Kapoor family were not allowed to works in the film industry.

Shammi Kapoor’s Wifes

Shammi Kapoor and Geeta Bali

Kapoor and Geeta met in 1955 during the shooting of Rangeen Raaten. They tied the knot four months later at Banganga Temple in Mumbai. They were blessed with a son Aditya Raj Kapoor a year after their marriage. Five years later they welcomed their daughter Kanchan. In 1965 Bali died of smallpox.

Shammi Kapoor and Neila Devi

Four years after the demise of his first wife Kapoor had an arranged marriage with Neila Devi to provide a mother figure to his young kids. Neila Devi decided not to bear any children with Shammi.

Shammi Kapoor’s Career

Shammi Kapoor’s First Movie: Jeewan Jyoti (1951)

Kapoor made his debut with Jeewan Jyoti directed by Mahesh Kaul which was proved to be commercially unsuccessful. He starred opposite Chand Usmani. Shashikala also starred in this movie. 

This movie portrays the differences between a young couple Shammi and Kishori that once were happily married. Their gap could not be bridged even after the birth of a baby boy. As differences started to grow Kishori leaves for her paternal home to stay with her father. The baby is nurtured by Shammi and his mother. Kishori eventually drives herself to serious illness while being away from her child and she can be cured only if she has the baby with her.

Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957)

This film was a blockbuster hit and rose Shammi to Fame. It was directed by Nasir Hussain. Kapoor starred opposite Ameeta and Pran. This film was originally proposed to Dev Anand but he refused. It is a light romantic movie with a hint of revenge drama and impersonation.

Dil Deke Dekho (1959)

Dil Deke Dekho directed by Nasir Hussain. Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh were the leading actors. Asha was only 16 when she made her debut with this film. This film was like the director’s own debut film but with some added twists to its plot.

Asha plays the role of a wealthy heiress who is courted by 3 men but she falls for the most handsome of them all Shammi Kapoor. The story unveils itself when Asha finds that Shammi is not what he shows with a dust of mistaken identities.

Junglee (1961)

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Shammi Kapoor gained recognition through this blockbuster hit movie. He adopted the character in his real life as he liked to live his life in an unconventional way. It was directed by Subodh Mukherjee. Shammi starred opposite Saira Banu Shashikala Anoop Kumar and Lalita Pawar.

Shammi Kapoor’s been brought up by a sophisticated mother who doesn’t believe in mingling around those who belong to a lower social standing than theirs. He follows her mother until one time he is stuck in a snowstorm with a common girl Rajkumar (Saira Banu). He ends up falling for her and the love changes him completely this change makes him support his sister who loves an employee in their company and is carrying his child. Saira Banu was merely 17 years old when she dazzled everyone with her charm.

Professor (1962)

Directed by Lekh Tandon. Starring Shammi Kapoor Kalpana Mohan and Lalita Pawar. In this Comedy-drama Shammi Kapoor disguises himself as an old professor to get a job as a tutor for Lalita Pawar’s daughter as she wanted a tutor who is above 50 years. The plot twists when Shammi Kapoor starts falling in love with his student and the audience is put under a giggling spell when Lalita Pawar falls for the professor.

China Town (1962)

The movie is directed by Shakti Samanta and starring Shammi Kapoor Shakila and Helen. The movie shares a likely plot with Don (1978). Shammi Kapoor plays a dual role in this film club singer and criminal. The twist comes when he is brought to a police station to settle a dispute and the officers notice the similarities he shares with a criminal. He is offered to infiltrate his gang and the criminal turns out to be his long-lost brother.

Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)

One of the leading films of ‘60s Hindi cinema Kashmir Ki Kali was directed by Shakti Samanta starring Shammi Kapoor Sharmila Tagore Pran and Nazir Hussain.

The movie is shot in the beautiful valleys of Kashmir. The plot consists of two lovers enjoying a fairy tale romance while the subplot is full of mistaken identities long-lost children crime punishment and redemption. The movie is really a treat to watch.

Rajkumar (1964)

Bhanu Pratap Singh (Shammi Kapoor) the elder son of a princely state's Maharaja (Prithviraj Kapoor) has been studying overseas for many years. After making his long-awaited homecoming with his friend Kapil (Rajendranath) he discovers that he is the target of various schemes. To outwit his opponents he resorts to buffoonery. He develops feelings for a native princess (Sadhana). Both are the targets of plots by members of her tribe and their predicaments are similar. He adopts a different persona of a straightforward nice guy and with the help of the princess and his childhood friend Kapil dismantles all the schemes in order to save everyone including himself.

Teesri Manzil (1966)

This musical murder mystery is directed by Vijay Anand casting Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh as the leading actors. In Dehradun Rupa dies after falling from the third floor of a hotel. Sunita her sister goes to Dehradun to confront Rocky since she believes he is responsible for the tragedy. Rocky however has been approaching her constantly while posing as Anil. He genuinely falls in love with Sunita and tells her the truth claiming to be innocent of her sister's murder. Owing to this she gets enraged with him and ignores his requests. She changes her mind when an effort is made to end his life. They both reunite to find the real killer.

An Evening in Paris (1967)

This movie was directed by Shakti Samanta and starred Shammi Kapoor Sharmila Tagore Rajendranath Pran and K.N. Singh. The movie was shot extensively in Paris.

The film gained recognition primarily because the Eiffel tower was featured prominently in this film and because of Sharmila’s water-skiing scene wearing a swimsuit which was quite a radical step in that era.Wealthy and attractive Deepa (Sharmila Tagore) leaves her unsuccessful relationships in India and travels to Paris. She meets Sam (Shammi Kapoor) who falls in love with her and tries to win her over. Meanwhile Deepa's money is being sought after by criminal nightclub owner Jack (KN Singh) and vile gambler Shekhar. Unknown to everyone she has a twin sister named Suzy who resembles her. She performs at Jack's club and the gangsters also involve her in their scheme.

Shashi Kapoor’s Career Timeline

Shammi Kapoor’s Controversies

There are no such controversies of Shammi Kapoor.

Shammi Kapoor’s Net Worth

Shammi Kapoor’s net worth was estimated to be $ 1 million - $ 5 million

Shammi Kapoor’s Awards

• 2008 - Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Indian Cinema at the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF).
• 1998 - Kalakar Awards – Special Award for "contribution in Indian Cinema"
• 1968 – Won Filmfare Awards- Best Actor Brahmachari
• 1982 –Won Filmfare Awards Best Supporting Actor Vidhata
• 1995 – Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2002 – Won IIFA Awards-Invaluable Contribution to Indian Cinema.
• 2005 – Won Bollywood Movie Awards-Lifetime Achievement Award
• 1999 – Won Zee Cine Award for Lifetime Achievement
• 2001 – Won Star Screen Lifetime Achievement Award

Shammi Kapoor’s Death

On August 7 2011 Shammi Kapoor was taken to the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai because of chronic kidney failure. He was kept on ventilator support for a few days as his health remained critical. At the age of 79 he passed away from chronic kidney failure on August 14 2011 at 05:15 IST. On August 15 the funeral service took place at the Banganga Cremation Ground in Malabar Hill Mumbai.

The funeral rites were performed at the cremation by his son Aditya. His younger brother Shashi Kapoor his sister-in-law Krishna Kapoor his grand -nephew Ranbir Kapoor his nephews Rishi Randhir and Rajiv Randhir's wife Babita and his grandnieces Karishma and Kareena Kapoor were all present to pay their final respects.

The burial was attended by celebrities from the Bollywood industry including Vinod Khanna Shatrughan Sinha Subhash Ghai Amitabh Bachchan Ramesh Sippy Danny Denzongpa Prem Chopra Anil Kapoor Saif Ali Khan Govinda Aamir Khan Rani Mukherjee Shah Rukh Khan Kabir Bedi and Priyanka Chopra.A bronze statue of Shammi Kapoor was installed in Mumbai's Walk of the Stars at Bandra Bandstand as a tribute to him.

22 Interesting Facts about Shammi Kapoor

• He belonged to Pathan Hindu family.
• In 1930 his father Prithviraj Kapoor came to Bombay to start a career in the film industry.
• In 1931 his brother Devi died due to pneumonia and another brother Nandi also died in the same year due to the swallowing of poison (rat pills) strewn in the garden.
• In 1948 he worked as a junior artist on ₹50 monthly salary in his father Prithviraj Kapoor's theatrical company for more than 4 years.
• In 1955 he met his future wife Geeta Bali during the shooting of the movie ‘Rangeen Raaten’
• His wife Geeta Bali died due to smallpox in 1965
• In 1968 during the shooting of the film Brahmachari he felt close intimacy for an Indian film actress Mumtaz and proposed her for marriage but she refused him politely as he demanded her to give up her film career.
•  He was the cousin of Jugal Kishore Mehra (singer) whereas Salma Agha (actress-singer) was his niece.
• The films like Junglee Kashmir Ki Kali Rajkumar Janwar Teesri Manzil Professor Vidhaata Dil Tera Diwana An Evening in Paris Dil Deke Dekho and Tumsa Nahi Dekha Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya Preet Na Jane Reet College Girl Prince Budtameez Sachaai Latt Saheb and Tumse Achha Kaun Hai proved super hit on the box office.
• From the 1950s to the early 1970s he was the only glamorous dancing hero in the Hindi film industry and earned the name 'Elvis Presley of India' as he himself composed the dancing steps for the songs starring him.
• In the 1970s he could not continue his film career as a romantic hero due to his overweight and Andaz (1971) was his final such movie.
• He proved to be a successful supporting actor as Sam Hami's father in the movie Zameer (1974) and Amitabh Bachchan's foster father in Parvarish.
• According to Shammi it was comfortable and easy for him to work with the film actresses- Rajshree Sharmila Tagore and Asha Parekh.
• He directed two films Manoranjan (1974) and Bundle Baaz (1976) which did not get successful.
• He also acted in some television series like 'Shikast' (Sony TV) in 1996 'Dastaan-E-Hatim Tai (DD Metro) in 1996 'Chattan' (Zee TV) in 1997 and Main Anari Tu Anari (DD Metro) in 1998.
• He was the chairman of Internet Users Community of India (IUCI) and set up the internet organization- "Ethical Hackers Association
• Shammi liked to share the stories of his career and family with his fans through self-made online videos.
• He was a staunch follower of Haidakhan Babaji from Uttarakhand
• His best friend in the film industry was Amitabh Bachchan
• Imtiaz Ali's directorial venture 'Rockstar' was his last movie in which he acted.
• On 14 August 2011 he died due to chronic renal failure in Breach Candy Hospital Mumbai.
• He worked in more than 50 films as the lead actor and appeared in over 20 films as a supporting actor.