On Koffee With Karan Season 8, Neetu Kapoor admitted to having a crush on her uncle Shashi Kapoor. Though her revelation was met with a shocking reaction from Karan Johar, Shashi’s female fans would probably be thinking, ‘Join the club!’ Despite being the least flamboyant of all the Kapoors during his era, Shashi Kapoor was widely regarded as one of the most handsome men in the film industry. However, his charm went beyond his looks. What truly endeared him to his female fans was his simplicity, honesty, family-oriented persona and his respectful demeanor towards his co-stars.
Shashi Kapoor’s female co-stars have often spoken about his supportive nature on sets, recalling instances that reflect his gentlemanly qualities. Let’s delve into some of these recollections:
When Shashi Kapoor gave confidence to Simi Garewal to shoot a partially nude scene
In Aseem Chhabra’s book “Shashi Kapoor: The Householder, The Star,” Simi Garewal recounted an instance from their 1972 film Siddhartha, where Shashi made her feel comfortable during a nude scene. Simi was nervous before the scene, but Shashi’s encouraging words gave her the confidence to proceed with grace and confidence.
“I can’t tell you how nervous I was before these scenes,” she said. “I finally wore a body-stocking from the waist down, but when I had to go topless, I was stricken. I couldn’t look up and just lowered my eyes. Shashi sensed what I was going through and said to me, ‘Don’t be shy, Simi. You are beautiful.’ Buoyed by his words, I found the courage to go through it all with confidence,” she said.
Shashi Kapoor and Simi Garewal in a still from their 1972 film Siddhartha. (Pic: Express Archive)
Zeenat Aman found Shashi Kapoor ‘devastatingly handsome’
Zeenat Aman’s admiration for Shashi Kapoor’s good looks began in her school days, long before she could have imagined sharing the screen with him. In an earlier interview, Zeenat reminisced about the time Shashi visited her school accompanied by his wife, Jennifer Kendal, to perform a play. Zeenat and her school friends were captivated by Shashi’s devastatingly handsome appearance. Remembering the same, she said, “I did some of my most enjoyable and unforgettable films with him. But before that, I remember when I was studying at the St Joseph’s Convent. Shashiji came with his wife to perform a play in our school. All of us schoolgirls were in a swoon. He was devastatingly handsome.”
Years later Zeenat and Shashi starred in one of the most-talked-about and controversial films of Hindi cinema – Satyam Shivam Sundaram. During the interaction, Zeenat recalled how despite being a mega star, Shashi was shy to take off his shirt while shooting for a song because he wasn’t confident about his physique. She said, “I remember Shashiji was shy about taking off his shirt under the waterfall in Satyam Shivam Sundaram when were shooting the song Yashomati maiya. He didn’t think he had the physique to pull it off.” Zeenat lauded Shashi for always being ‘gracious, warm, courteous and gentlemanly’ toward her during their time shooting together.
Zeenat Aman and Shashi Kapoor in a still from their film Satyam Shivam Sundaram. (Pic: Express Archive)
When Sharmila Tagore couldn’t concentrate when Shashi Kapoor was on set
While Zeenat Aman’s first meeting with Shashi Kapoor was in her school, veteran actor Sharmila Tagore met the actor for the first time on the sets of her film Kashmir Ki Kali, where she was shooting alongside Shashi’s brother, Shammi Kapoor. Despite Shammi’s own charm and charisma, Sharmila found herself unable to concentrate on her scenes due to her overwhelming attraction to Shashi’s good looks.
Recalling the experience, Sharmila said, “We were shooting the song ‘Isharon isharon mein’ with Shashi’s brother Shammi. I couldn’t concentrate on my romantic poses with Shammi. The director Shakti Samanta had to ask Shashi to leave.” She added, “I still remember how handsome he was. My God! He was the most handsome man I had seen.” Shashi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore went on to star in many iconic films including Waqt, Aa Gale Lag Jaa, Aamne- Saamne, Suhana Safar and more.
Shashi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore starred in many films like Waqt, Aa Gale Lag Jaa, Aamne- Saamne, Suhana Safar and more. (Pic: Express Archive)
He would pick up luggage of any lady he came across: Raakhee Gulzar
Raakhee Gulzar’s admiration for Shashi Kapoor extended beyond his on-screen persona. During the interview, Raakhee recounted instances where Shashi displayed acts of chivalry and kindness uncommon among Hindi cinema’s superstars.
She said, “I’ve never met a more cultured man. If we were on the airport he would pick up the vanity case and other luggage of any lady he came across. If there was a crowd at a shooting he would clear it for me to feel comfortable. These qualities I’ve never encountered in any of my heroes.”
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