India & Bollywood fans wept as the news of the death of yesterdays superstar Shammi Kappor came to be known. He was 79 years old and passed away around 5:15 am at the Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai.
He was born Shamsher Raj Kapoor to film & theatre actor Prithviraj Kapoor, the second of three film actor sons – Raj & Shashi Kapoor being his siblings. One of the finest actors that Hindi or Indian film can boast of, he was a leading star during the 1950s & 60s he attained the image of a light-hearted, stylish playboy. Tall, athletic, lively, fair complexioned, green-eyed and with handsome features- Shammi was a heartthrob, and his good looks and physique complemented his image.
With the superhit Junglee (1961) his fame was at it’s peak and his war cry ‘Yahoo’ was often imitated by wannabe stars & romeos. His dancing was so popular that he made fans in far of Russia & China. By the 70s his weight gain ended his chances of being the romantic hero and he moved on to character & supporting roles. He married actress Geetha Bali in 1955 and had two children with her. After she passed away in 1965 due to small pox and he married Neela devi in 1969.
Shammi Kapoor was the founder and chairman of Internet Users Community of India (IUCI). He has also played a major role in setting up internet organizations like the Ethical Hackers Association. Kapoor also maintains a website dedicated to the ‘Kapoor family’.
Shammi Kapoor (Shamsher Raj Kapoor) (21 October 1931 – 14 August 2011)