When in 2011 Shashi Kapoor was named for the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award, his nephew Rishi Kapoor said to me that he would have been happier to see Shammi Kapoor’s name in the list as well.
“It would have given me even more pleasure to see both my uncles Shammi and Shashi Kapoor receiving the honour. Certainly Shammi Kapoor’s contribution to Indian cinema cannot be overlooked,” Rishi told me.
Both Shashi and Shammi have been great entertainers of their times and had their unique styles on screen.
But Rishi was happy that his family was being recognized. “Chalo khairiyat hai Kapoors ko government ne recognise kiya (Thank god the government recognised the Kapoors). Believe it or not no Kapoor has such a national or government-level award in the last few decades,” he said.
Rishi’s grandfather, legendary actor Prithviraj Kapoor was awarded the Padma Bhushan way back in 1969, after which his father Raj Kapoor received the honour in 1971.
“This is the first time since then that the government has recognised the presence of the Kapoors in the entertainment industry. What a feeling, all the senior Kapoors, my grandfather Prithviraj, my father Raj and now Shashi Kapoor are Padma Bhushans!” said Rishi.
Shammi Kapoor one of the biggest stars of all times, received the Filmfare award for best actor only once for his performance in Brahmachari.
Shammi’s Brahmachari co-star Mumtaz who admits Shammi wanted to marry her, calls Shammi a gentleman . “He knew how to treat a lady like a lady.I did just one film with him Brahmachari where we danced to that iconic number Aaj kal tere mere pyar ka charche. What a spontaneous dancer he was and one of the handsomest men I’ve ever seen. Do I regret not marrying him? No. I was too young when he proposed.”
About Shammi being neglected for awards Mumtaz says, “The love that an actor like Shammi Kapoor gets from his fans to this day is the biggest award.”
