Tributes pour in for Shashi Kapoor

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Legendary actor Shashi Kapoor passed away yesterday in Mumbai at the age of 79 after a long battle with ill health and old age.

The funeral is expected to take place in the afternoon in Mumbai and the Bollywood fraternity including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Anil Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor have already begun to arrive at the venue.

Tributes and condolences for the deceased actor have poured in from all over the world, including celebrities from the Pakistani cinema industry who have remembered the actor and his full-of-life persona and screen presence.

Humayun Saeed posted a picture of Kapoor wrote on his Twitter, “RIP Shashi Kapoor. One of the finest and most charming actors to have graced the silver screen.”

Music sensation Ali Zafar wrote, “RIP Shashi Kapur sir. Your infectious smile, charm and iconic renditions will always remain.”

Singer Shafqat Amanat Ali also took to Twitter to express his feelings, posting a tweet which read, “At a loss for words as veteran actor Shashi Kapoor passes away. Spent countless hours watching movies of this legendary and charming actor while growing up. Rest in peace, sir.”

Across the border, Bollywood A-listers also took to their respective social media accounts to express their grief over the passing of the acting legend.

Shashi Kapoor’s most famous co-star Amitabh Bachchan poured his heart out in his blog Monday night, expressing his grief and loss. The star revealed how he admired Shashi Kapoor, copied his hairstyle and behaviour, but could not bear to see him after he “let himself go after the passing away of his dear wife Jennifer.”

Shashi Kapoor’s co-star and Bollywood’s “Dreamy Girl”, Hema Malini, wrote on Twitter, “My dear friend & co star of many successful movies – Shashi Kapoor, is no more. He leaves behind many pleasant memories of the camaraderie we shared on the sets during our shooting schedules. RIP dear friend. I will surely miss you!”

Shashi Kapoor and Hema Malini

Akshay Kumar wrote, “Innumerable Bollywood dreams came to life watching your iconic dialogue, “Mere paas maa hai.” Your tremendous contribution to cinema will always be remembered. RIP Shashi Kapoor ji.”

Aamir Khan also posted a note which read, “Shashi uncle was only a great star and a passionate filmmaker, but also a wonderful human being. His work has always given Indian audiences great joy. His contribution to Indian theatre was huge, Prithvi Theatre is the favourite venue of both performers and audiences alike. His passing away is a sad for all of us. My condolences to Sanjana, Kunal, Karan and everyone in the family. May his soul rest in peace. Love and respect.

Anupam Kher wrote, “Just woke up in Sydney to the sad news about Shashi Kapoor ji. He was the 1st to give me a role in Utsav. A huge star. He taught me how to treat newcomers with love & dignity. He was full of life & Life was full of him. Most charming Actor & human beings of all times. RIP Sir.”

Priyanka Chopra wrote, “An end of an era. RIP #ShashiKapoor ji. A talent, the world had the pleasure of witnessing,..a humanitarian I had the pleasure of meeting.. a charmer the world will always remember. Condolences to the family and fans.”

Sonam Kapoor uploaded multiple posts on Twitter as part of her tribute. One of the tweets read, “With the passing of an icon like Shashi Kapoor, the importance and influence of the work we do shine even brighter. Shashi Uncle was a star of Indian cinema and I know he will continue to inspire us!”

Alia Bhatt also wrote, “Shashi Kapoor Ji was such an icon! An inspiration and reference point for all aspiring actors! This is truly an end of an era. Deeply saddened by this news. Thank you Sir for giving us your magic at the movies. #RIPShashiKapoor.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also wrote on Twitter, “Shashi Kapoor’s versatility could be seen in his movies as well as in theatre, which he promoted with great passion. His brilliant acting will be remembered for generations to come. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers.”

The Indian Congress also posted a picture of the late actor on Twitter with the caption, “The brilliant Shashi Kapoor hugely contributed to paving the way for alternative path-breaking cinema, nationally & internationally. My sympathies and prayers are with his family, friends & fans: Smt. Sonia Gandhi.”

Kapoor, a three-time winner at India’s National Film Awards, is survived by his three children, Sanjana, Kunal and Karan. His wife, English actress Jennifer Kendal, died in 1984. He was part of what became known as Bollywood’s first family, son of Prithviraj Kapoor and two brothers who were also leading men: Raj, who died in 1988, and Shammi who died in 2011.