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Remembering Shashi Kapoor: A Journalist recounts 'great yet underrated actor' and his unforgettable act of kindness

Shashi Kapoor never appealed to me as an actor. It was his brother, Raj Kapoor, a larger than life figure, the characters he played and the movies he did, that fascinated me. It took a chance encounter for make me see Shashi Kapoor, the person. 

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Shashi Kapoor passed away at 79
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Shashi Kapoor never appealed to me as an actor. It was his brother, Raj Kapoor, a larger than life figure, the characters he played and the movies he did, that fascinated me. It took a chance encounter for make me see Shashi Kapoor, the person. 

Years ago, as an intern working with Mumbai tabloid, I was sent to Breach Candy Hospital. Shashi's brother, Shammi Kapor was unwell and I had to file a report. I went, but nobody entertained me, neither the doctors, nor the relatives on the 3rd floor. The lift was full was while coming down, so I took the stairs, wondering what m going to write. While walking down, I happened to spot Shashi sitting alone on the waiting area of the second floor. I gathered some courage and approached him. I told him my name and my reason for being there. He looked at me and asked my full name. When I told him, his face broke into a wide smile and he asked, 'Tussi Punjabi ho? Baitho!' indicating the empty seat next to him. I sat down and he proceeded to tell me all about his bother's condition and what the docs are saying. I went to office and filed the story.

A week later, Shammi was still in hospital and I was required to do a follow up. Knowing that I won't be so lucky this time, I just dialled the landline num of the Kapoor household. And guess who picked up? It was Shashi Kapoor himself. When I reminded him of our meeting, he exclaimed, 'Dilli ki Punjabi kudi!' I was lucky, I got all the information from him. I never met him again or spoke to him. I just saw him every year, at the opening night of the Prithvi festival, looking more and more frail and weak with each passing year. I would look at him from far and wish him good health.

I'm yet to discover the great, yet underrated actor that he was. But that day, sitting in the hospital reception, I discovered a kind man who took time out to speak to a rookie journalist. And I will never forget that kindness.

RIP Shashi Kapoor

 

 

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