By Sana Haroon
Shamsher Raj Kapoor known as Shammi Kapoor (October 21, 1931- August 14, 2011) was a prominent actor in Hindi cinemas. He played lead roles in Hindi cinema from late 1950’s, 1960’s and early 1970’s. He was the finest actor of the Bollywood and is remembered for his exceptional acting expertise and amazing dance movies.
Shammi Kapoor’s journey was began as a junior artist in 1948. He started his career with Prithvi Theater which was his father’s company. He made his first debut in 1953 with “Jeevan Jyoti”. His career was never started successfully and had to struggle a lot to secure his position in Hindi cinema. Later on, he went on delivering big hits like Junglee, Dil Deke Dhekho, Pyaar Kiya to Darna Kiya, Tumsa Nahi Dhekha, Andaaz, Teesri Manzil and many others. He played a lead role in more than 50 films and 20 films as a supporting actor. Moreover, he also made a debut in Taamil Crime Drama “Amaran” in 1992. Which turned out to be a blockbuster.
Shammi Kapoor made his last appearance in super hit film “Rockstar” directed by Imtiaz Ali. It starred Ranbir Kapoor as a lead role, Grandnephew of shammi Kapoor. The film was released in September 2011.
He won a Lifetime Achievement Award by Filmfare Awards in 1995. In 2005, he won another Lifetime Achievement Award at Bombay International Film Festival. In 2002, he was being awarded for a special contribution in Hindi cinema at International Film Academy Awards.
Apart from his movies, he had given super hit tracks to Hindi cinema.
- Composed by Shankar Jaikishen and sung by Mohammad Rafi “Chaahe Mujhe Koi Janglee Kahe”, the iconic song was picturised on Shaami Kapoor and Saira Banu from film “Janglee”.
2. “Yeh Chaand Sa Roshan Chehra” from Kashmir Ki Kali, starring Shammi Kapoor along with Sharmila Tagore.
3. Another super hit track “Aaja Aaja Mein Hoon Pyaar Tera” from Teesri Manzil. It was picturised on Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh.
4. Sung by Suman Kalyanpur and Mohammed Rafi, “Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyaar Ke Charche” from film Brahmachari.
5. Picturised on Shammi Kapoor and Vyjayanthimala from film Prince.
6. Another amazing track from 1962 film, China Town.
7. Well how could you miss “O Haseena Zulfon Waali” a ragging hit, sung by Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhosle from film Teesri Manzil.
8. A light hearted song, sung by Mohammad Rafi from movie Dil Deke Dekho.
9. “Yun To Humne Lakh Haseen Dekhe Hain” from Tumsa Nahi Dekha.
10. Last but not least super hit track from film Junglee. A romantic number sung by none other than Mohammad Rafi.
