‘Shammi Kapoor was a live wire on & off the sets’

Flamboyant, stylish and a trendsetter of sorts, Shammi Kapoor had famously invited Deepika Padukone to coffee last year via micro blogging site Twitter.

“It was the best and the most memorable day of my life,” recalled the actress who was dating the veteran actor’s grandson Ranbir Kapoor at the time. “He was an inspiration not just for his style and the films he did, but also for his attitude towards life. I will miss him.”

Shammi, who was considered to be one of the best looking stars of his time, was also a fun-loving person full of life and vitality off the screen. Leading ladies from his heydays remember him as a handsome man who loved a good laugh.

Saira Banu, who debuted opposite him in Junglee in 1961, pointed out that the iconic star’s popularity cut across all age groups. “He shared good vibes with everyone in my family, be it my mother or my niece who, by the way, had a huge crush on him,” she said.

She recalled that the late actor had a positive outlook towards life and hated sympathy. “He ensured that those around him were entertained with his anecdotes and jokes.”

Sharmila Tagore, who made her Hindi film debut with Kashmir Ki Kali in 1964 opposite the reigning superstar of her time, recalled how spontaneous her co-actor was on the sets. “He would disregard all that we had rehearsed and would do his own thing. It was great fun working with him since he was so uninhibited,” she said.  

Hema Malini, who starred with Kapoor in Andaaz, felt that it was her good fortune to have worked alongside a legend like him.

“He was a live wire on and off the sets and was enthusiastic about his work and very dedicated to giving his best. His power-packed performances touched people’s hearts and his high levels of energy were not limited to acting. His presence anywhere drew attention,” she said.