Great acting legend of the Bollywood industry Shashi Kapoor died in Mumbai today. He breathed his last at the Kokilaben Hospital after suffering a prolonged illness.
His nephew Mohit Marwah confirmed the news on Twitter. “My favourite Shashi Kapoor rests in peace today. Will be remembered always,” he tweeted.
Remembering the versatility of the legendary actor, Narendra Modi, Indian Prime Minister, said in a tweet, "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."
Paying tributes to the memory of Shashi Kapoor, Smriti Z Irani, Indian Minister for Information and Broadcasting, tweeted, "His contribution to Indian Cinema is monumental. Shashi ji’s passing away marks the end of an era. My deepest condolences to his loved ones, colleagues and fans. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti!"
Shashi Kapoor was born in Calcutta in 1938, the youngest son of Prithviraj Kapoor and the younger brother of Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor. He acted in over 175 films, was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2011 and the Dadasaheb Phalke award in 2015.
Shashi Kapoor's career spanned Indian and international cinema. He was as renowned for his theatre work as he was for movies.
Known for his work in films such as Deewar, Satyam Shivam Sundaram and Kabhie Kabhie, the 79-year-old had stayed away from the limelight in the last two decades.
He had been suffering from ailments for the past few years, underwent bypass surgery and was also hospitalised for a chest infection in 2014.
He is the widower of Jennifer Kendal (sister of actress Felicity Kendal), and the father of Karan Kapoor, Kunal Kapoor, and Sanjana Kapoor.