The 'other' Shashi Kapoor himself came on a website to answer questions in 2012. many people asked him questions. The website where it all happened cineplot.com has been abandoned. I have a habit of preserving interesting websites on my hard disk (and making many backups!). So, here I present the original post and all the comments and replies from the archived website. Now You Know! And Enjoy!
Note: He passed away on April 20, 2018 in Kalamazoo, MI USA.
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Shashi Kapoor (I)
By admin
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On June 12, 2011
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At 6:20 pm
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In N-Z
3244 Views
Shashi Kapoor (Senior)
[ Selected Filmography ] Shashi Kapoor
Real Name – Shashi Kapoor
Profession – Actor (Side-Hero, Character-Actor) Most Active/Popular Years – Mid 40s to Early 50s Religion – Hindu
Ethnicity – N/A Date of Birth – N/A Date of Death – N/A
Debut Film – Meena (1944)
Last Film – Perhaps Maha Pooja (1954)
Significant others in the Film Industry – N/A
Miscellaneous Info – Shashi Kapoor (Senior) was an actor in several mythological Hindi movies produced during mid 40s to early 50s. Not much is known about this Shashi Kapoor except that he was active at the same time when Shashi Kapoor ( Junior) [Raj Kapoor’s younger brother] was cast as a child artiste in several films. Many sources erroneously attribute his films to Shashi Kapoor ( Junior) including Wikipedia which states “Shashi Kapoor started acting in films as a child in the early 1940s appearing in several mythological films.”
Related Youtube Video – N/A
44 Comments
1. a c tuli says:
Shashi Kapoor (senior) was very handsome. He was perhaps first seen in the 1945 film ‘Gaon Ki Gori’, starring Noorjehan and Nazir. In this film Shashi Kapoor enacted the role of Nazir’s younger brother. He was at that time hardly ten years old. The role of mother in this film was performed by Durga Khote. Then, Shashi Kapoor enacted the role of Ashok Kumar’s younger brother in ‘Samadi’ (1950). He acted in many mythological films, one of them was ‘Gopal Krishan’ in which he performed the role of Krishna.
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S. F. Kapoor says:
Perhaps you were thinking of Muraliwala in which I did play the young Krishna, and the mother was the great actress Madam Durga Khote. The picture above is from that movie released in 1951. That was the year I passed High School & started my first year of college at Wilson College in Bombay.
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P K says:
Shashi ji:
great pleasure to read all the correspondence above.
Glad to have this confusion removed that you are different from the other Shashi Kapoor. You have mentioned your college but not your High School. When Bhakta Dhruva was released [I was a little child] my neighbor bragged that you are studying in his (M V High) school. We were not sure whether he was telling the truth. Hope you can clarify.
Wish you all the best! Many thanks.
[I was too young to be taken to the movies so i did not get a chance to see Bhakta Dhruva and have been researching to see where I can find a copy.]
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S. F. Kapoor says:
Hello! I just came across your query, and, I can assure you that from 1942 thru1951 I was indeed a student @ Marwari Vidyalaya High School, and, also was in MVHS when Bhakta Dhruva was released in Bombay @ Opera House cinema. For its entire run of about 25 weeks I had to walk in front of the cinema from home (Chowpatty-Sea-Face) to MVHS & back every day! The website:
https://maitrimanthan.wordpress.com/2012/09/07/shashi-kapoor/
will give you more info. Thanks! SFK
2. S. F. Kapoor says:
I am Shashi Kapoor, yes, that is my name. Full legal name is Shashichand F. Kapoor. Born in 1934 in Bombay. I am breaking my silence as this is the first time I have seen correct information re my acting career. (Shame on you wikipedia!) I am still very much alive. First let me correct the items in the March 17, 2012 post. I did not appear in Gaon Ki Gori or Gopal Krishna. But my filmography is very accurate, with the additions I have just made.
My last appearance would have been in a guest role in 1955 on Bhagwat Mahima. Then I left acting and the following events took place:
From Univ. of Bombay B. Sc. (1955), M. Sc. (1957), LL.B. (1963); lecturer Wilson College 1958; State Bank of India 1958-61; lecturer Kirti College 1961-63; Teaching/Graduate Assistant Michigan State University 1963-67; Ph.D. Mathematics (1967) Michigan State University; faculty member Western Michigan University 1967 – 1996; retired with emeritus status in January 1997.
In case someone wants to have any other info, please post a comment & I’ll try to answer.
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Memsaab says:
Oh this solves a mystery for me! He is also in 1948’s Shaheed (plays the young Dilip K) and I was looking for the wrong “Shashi Kapur” (as credited) ��� Thanks!
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S. F. Kapoor says:
I acted in 3 movies directed by Ramesh Saigal: Renuka, Shaheed, and Samadhi. He was a very good person & a wonderful man to work with. Dilip Kumar (aka Yousuf Khan?) was also such a sweet person, never looking down on the small actors. And the actors & character actors were just phenomenal. Shyam, who played the middle brother to Ashok Dada & me was killed in an accident from a fall from a horse in a movie other than Samadhi. Was such shock to everyone!
4. Maitri Manthan says:
Its great to hear from you Shashi ji. Have been looking for information about you ever since we saw Bhakta Dhruv (1947). Your song “Prabhu Apni Jhalak Dikhao” is an absolute favorite. We have also seen Shaheed (1948), Samadhi (1950) and Veer Babruvahan (1950).
Sir, where are you currently based? If you be willing to share, would love to see your latest picture.
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S. F. Kapoor says:
Thank you for your kind words! I became a US citizen in 1976 and have lived in Michigan since 1963 when I came to do my doctoral work in mathematics @ Michigan State University. Unfortunately I do not have any recent pix to share. However, if family members come over form Mumbai, I’ll have them take one and then post it. Bhakta Dhruva was a fun project to work in & the great director Shanti Bhai gave my small acting career a decent start. He always told me I should become a character actor like the icon Chandramohan. But, not to be I guess. Mathematics & the lure of teaching won in the end.
5. DR Amarjiva says:
Being a Professor in History and Culture, I have had always a passion for old movies due to my late father Shri Kamleshwari Prasad who was deeply involved there in Mumbai in 50s and 60s. The fascinating from Dr Shashi F. Kapoor makes me feel proud of my occupation, and if not wrong, he is the only among all Indian movies actors who has a real PhD wala DR (rest had that in medicines or honaris causa degrees). What a pity that I could not meet you Doctor, when I was at your University some ten years ago!
I am sometimes teaching Indian cinema at overseas universities, and this year, I am definitely going to add DR Shashi’s name in the section of classical movies by giving you fullest credit.
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S. F. Kapoor says:
Dr. Amarjiva: Good to hear from you! I am quite sure that the Indian cinema in the early 40s onwards had a purpose. The trashy things are OK for now, but there was pride in what they put out back then. And my filmography will come in handy for your references. Even I did not have all the details. Hence my choice to break silence and clear the air. i am at peace with what I have done in acting. And, I have absolutely no regrets wrt leaving that career behind and going with my love of teaching and the joy of learning mathematics. Many Thanks!
6. Arunkumar deshmukh says:
Shashi ji,
Thank you for appearing here yourself and clearing many myths,doubts and clearing the misinformations.
I want to know if you are having any information about a certain TRILOK KAPOOR(not the brother of Prithwiraj kapoor),who was also active in playback singing during early 50s or so.
Being a namesake he too is shoruded in mystery.
I am very glad that you had such a bright academic career.We are orud of you,sir. Thanks.
-Arunkumar Deshmukh
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S. F. Kapoor says:
Good to hear from you. Although the name Trilok Kapoor is familiar, however I do not associate that with anyone I knew in playback. The only playback singer that went with the last name Kapoor that I know of was my cousin Mahendra Kapoor. He passed away a few years ago o/a heart related problems. Mahendra was an excellent singer and his inspiration was his idol, the iconic Rafi. Thanks for your very kind words. I spent nearly 37 satisfactory years teaching mathematics (3 in Bombay & 34 in US, and loved every minute of that time! Also, some research (about 50 publications etc., with my world famous colleague(s) @ WMU.
7. Maitri Manthan says:
Shashi ji, there is lots we want to ask you and would like to communicate via email. Looking forward to your .
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S. F. Kapoor says:
Maitriji: Perhaps the comments feature here will get the answers to many instead of a one email. For now, this seems to be the best format. Feel free to ask away & I’ll give the best truthful answers that I possibly can.
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Maitri Manthan says:
Actually Shashi ji, we have a blog where we write about artists. We wanted to do a feature about you hence were asking for a direct contact. http://maitrimanthan.wordpress.com/category/personality/
But we do respect your decision :), just in case you decide otherwise please leave a message for us here. Your email address will remain private. http://maitrimanthan.wordpress.com/contact-us/
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Prajakta Khanwalkar- Gokhale says:
Hi! My father, Dr. B.D.Khanwalkar, always told me he had a far more handsome Shashi Kapoor in his M.Sc. class… Today we decided to give it a shot and dig up some info… And here I find you! So glad!! Hope you are doing well!
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S. F. Kapoor says:
Yes, indeed. The name Khanwalkar is familiar to me. Our M.Sc class used to meet @ various colleges in Bombay. I did not know every one in the class by name, but, your father’s name is very much in my memory. Some other names are: Adavi, Kasbekar, Wagle, Nabar(he passed away). My post of June 4, 2016 will fill you in as to my ongoing health issues. Thank You Very Much.
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Prajakta Khanwalkar- Gokhale says:
Thank you so much for the ! Conveyed your message to my father and he was very happy to hear from you. Glad that we could get in touch. It is awesome to have known closely dedicated teachers like you guys, and seeing you age gracefully is a boom in itself for us kids. A virtual pranam to you. ���
8. a c tuli says:
dear Mr Kapoor,
It is indeed a big surprise for me that you have read this blog and responded. I admit my error in tracing your acting career.
After reading your response to my comments in this blog, I was curious to identify the child actor who had acted in ‘Gaon Ki Gori’. This film is available on youtube. I am sorry I mistook Ananth Marathe for you. I remember seeing your first film ‘Bhakt Dhru’; of course I saw it years after its first release. Incidentally, it was also the first film in which actor Jeevan enacted the role of Narad Muni. If I remember correctly, I think the actress who enacted the role of your mother in this film was Mridhula.
Yes, I again erred in naming the film in which you acted as Lord Krishana. It was indeed Murliwala, not Gopal Krishan.
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S. F. Kapoor says:
Hi: It is not surprising that lapse of so much time creates confusion in the mind re names. I am not sure but the child actor you are referring to could be Kabir? I have acted with both Kabir & Anant Marathe (in deifferent movies). Good people! You are correct re Jeevanji & Mridulaji from Bhakta Dhruva. The Filmography part of this blog has all the names etc. and in fact much more info than even I recalled! I am very surprised that people still remember things from so long. I think “Maitri Manthan” is in the process of creating a complete blog on may movie career, including personal tit- bits that i supplied to them via email. Thank you & Best Wishes!
9. a c tuli says:
Dr Kapoor,
Don’t you think that in our film industry most of the child artistes of yore fared poorly when they came of age and looked for adult roles in films? A child artist graduating to adult roles and making it a grand success is a rarity in our film industry.
In the 50s, Baby Naaz and Rattan Kumar were popular child artists. Rattan Kumar in ‘Do Bigha Zamin’, ‘Boot Polish’ and ‘Jagriti’ was very impressive. But when he reached adolescence, he found himself lost. He had banked too much upon the film industry for his career. Since he was a Muslim boy, he along with his parents migrated to Pakistan, but even there he failed as an actor.
Baby Naaz too could not make much of her career when she was no longer a baby. All that she got was insignificant, side roles.
Let me tell you about Master Romi who shot into limelight with K A Abbas’s ‘Munna’ (1954) and Raj Kapoor’s ‘Ab Dilli Door Nahin’ (1957). But as an adult he was ignored by the film industry. A few years ago a TV journalist hunted him up in a slum locality of Mumbai. He was earning his living by doing embroidery work.
Now that I look at you, I feel you and your parents took the right decision to put an end to your film career and take care of your education, which was far more important than acting in films. I do not mean to say that if you had chosen to work in films in your youth, you too would not have fared successfully. But I think education is far more important than just earning mega bucks by working in films. The parents of the child artists I have named above were perhaps not very concerned about their wards’s education. Unfortunately, I am now noticing a similar trend in Indian TV programmes. Little kids are presented in the so-called reality shows, where they are made to dance to the tune of vulgar film songs – songs which they are not supposed to sing or listen to at a tender age.
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S. F. Kapoor says:
You have made astute observations! I agree completely with your comments re the fate of young actors in movies & TV. The same fact is also true in all forms of entertainment all over the world. I recall a comment made by S. Mukherjee (of Filmistan) when I was interviewed for Shaheed. He said words to the effect that echo what you just wrote, namely, the transition from young roles to adult ones are very rare. Although my transition to adult roles was progressing “nicely”, my heart was not into it at all. Giving up that career became a simple choice. A case comes to mind from old Hollywood: Shirley Temple – the biggest name in child actresses, but not much demand for adult
roles. You seem to have a good recall of the names from the past of young artists and their history. I have lived through the whole gamut and as I look back, I can say with certainty that my desire to go with education was the primary factor in where I am today. At peace with my choice made long time ago. And, my parents were in total agreement with the choice I made for my future.
10. a c tuli says:
You have said that the late playback singer Mahendra Kapoor was your cousin. It is a pleasant surprise for me to learn that you are related to this famous singer. In fact, it has reminded me of Mahendra Kapoor’s visit to Delhi sometime in the late 90s when my son was a journalist with The Hindustan Times. His editor sent him to interview Mahendra Kapoor who was staying at a hotel. I later learnt from my son that Mahendra Kapoor was a perfect gentleman, humble, and soft-spoken. During the interview, he told him that Mohammad Rafi was his inspiration when he aspired to become a playback singer. He was also a great admirer of K L Saigal. In fact, my son told me, that during the chit-chat that he held with Kapoor, he even sang a few lines of Saigal’s song, ‘Suno suno re krishan kala…’ His son Rohan Kapoor was also here with him. He too crooned a song at my son’s request.
Mahendra Kapoor was one of my favourite singers. I think the film for which he sang his first song was ‘Sohni Mahiwal’ (1958) starring Bharat Bhushan and Nimmi. The song, ‘Chand chhupa hai taare dhoobe raat gazab ki aayee, husn chala hai ishk se milne zulm ki badli chhayee’. In the same year came Shantaram’s ‘Navrang’. In this film too Mahendra Kapoor sang ‘Aadha hai chanderma, raat aadhi…’.
The present-day Hindi film music is uninspiring because it is unabashedly derivative. In fact, a copy of Western tunes.
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S. F. Kapoor says:
Mahendra & I were related twice over. His mother & mine were cousins, and, his father was a cousin of my father. As a youngster I used to visit his home near Dhobi Talao often for lunch, and, ride his tricycle. Rafi was his big supporter, and, encouraged him to take part in the Kolynos Singing Competition in Bombay (@ Metro Cinema). Mahendra eventually won! Fame never got to him. The sweetest person with an equally sweet voice. As you may have noticed from the “filmography” that I was in Tadbir, and met the great K. L. Saigal. He had an incomparable voice. You correctly recall Mahendra’s early singing career. We lost touch after I moved to the US in 1963. But my parents both kept me informed of his career. And, it may also surprise you to know that my late brother Ravi Kapoor (1926-2008) was the famous screenplay/writer of many movies, such as those made with Rakesh Roshan.
11. a c tuli says:
Dr. Kapoor, you seem to have a bagful of surprises for us. Never knew Ravi Kapoor was your elder brother. He has authored such blockbusters like ‘Kaho Na Pyar Hai’, ‘Karan Arjun’, ‘Koyla’ and many others. In fact, there are as many as 27 films which he either scripted or wrote screenplay for. Yours appears to be a highly gifted family. There are singers, writers and of course a distinguished mathematician in this family. I envy you.
One thing more. You were part of the star cast of ‘Tadbir’ which was released in 1945, but you say that your debut film was ‘Bhagat Dhruva’ which was released in 1946.
Lastly, K L Saigal is my icon. I never tire of listening to his songs, particularly his non-film ghazals. I don’t
think anyone can sing like him. It is truly said that a singer like Saigal happens once in centuries.
By the way, do you have any particular memory of Saigal while you were working with him in ‘Tadbir’. If yes, please do share it with us.
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S. F. Kapoor says:
I was in 21 movies total. The classifications are my guesses. The “selected Filmography” of this Cineplot blog has very accurate information on most of them.
[6] Cameos/Guest-Appearances: Lady Doctor* (1943), Parakh (1944), Sati Ahilya (1948), Maha Pooja
(1954), Parvati Vivah (1954), Bhagwat Mahima (1955)
[11] Small/Medium/Long-Roles: Meena (1944), Bachpan (1944), Tadbir (1945), Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar
Kahani (1945), Renuka (1946), Shaheed (1947-48), Samadhi (1948-50), Ram Darshan (1949-50),
Mordhwaj (1951-52), Sanskar (1951-52), Dana Pani (1952-53)
[4] Title/Leading-Roles: Bhakta Dhruva (1946-47), Gopal Bhaiya (1947-48), Veer Babruvahan (1949-50), Murliwala (1950-51)
I did not act with Mr. Saigal in Tadbir as I played him in his youth. Just met him in the make-up room and on the set a few times. He was such a mild mannered and humble sweet person to talk with. I was in awe of him, of course, but he put me to ease. Everyone around him knew of his greatness!
*Time for another surprise! My father Fateh Chand Kapoor was a co-producer with Laxmidas Anand (he co-produced Jawaab many years ago, starring Kanan Bala (or Kanan Devi)). They produced 4 films: Sawaal. Lady Doctor, Krishna Leela & Faisala. One day in 1943, when I was 9, I attended the shoot for Lady Doctor, they ran short of people in a hotel scene & I was drafted for a few seconds of cameo! And that is how it all began!!
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niru pandeya says:
Very interesting background. Amazed at your achievements Dr.Kapoor. Hope you enjoy it with a healthy life. Regards.
12. a c tuli says:
You have given a graphic account of your film career, thanks. I have seen some of your films in one of their re-run phases in the cinema halls of Dehra Dun where I had my education up to matriculation. I remember ‘Dana Pani’, in which Bharat Bhushan performed the role of a poor school teacher and his wife in that film was Meena Kumari. But it is your last film ‘Bhagwat Mahima’ which sticks out in my memory for a particular reason. I think the pivotal role in this film was performed by Prem Adib. I do not now remember which mythological character he represented in the film, but I am very sure that he had the ears of a cow in it.
It is interesting to know that your late father produced the 1942 film ‘Jawab’. Because of my fondness for vintage film music, I like the songs of this film, particularly the one sung by Kanan Devi, ‘Toofan mail duniya yeh duniya..’ and the other one, ‘Door desh ka rehne wala aaya des praye’ sung by Kanan Devi and Dhoori Khan, or maybe Kamal Dasgupta who was the music director of this film.
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S. F. Kapoor says:
You made correct comments re Dana Pani. I worked with Meena Kumari’s younger sister Baby Madhuri in Bachpan.
Note that my father was not the producer of Jawaab, it was his partner Laxmidas Anand. Everything you wrote about Kanan Devi is absolutely correct. I met her when I visited Calcutta where Krisna Leela was shot. She was a beautiful person with the voice of an angel. So soft-spoken.
Maitri Manthan is completing their blog on my film career & should be up and running on their site (see above posts) in about 15 days.
13. a c tuli says:
Thanks for your clarifications and a little more information about your film career. But you have not mentioned anything about ‘Bhagwat Mahima’. You worked with Prem Adib in this film. Prem Adib was a big name in the 40s when he appeared in ‘Bharat Milap’ and ‘Ram Rajya’, both of them blockbusters.
As regards Baby Madhuri, as an adult she appeared in the 1959 film ‘Manzil’with Dev Anand and Nutan in the lead. Madhuri performed the role of the ‘other woman’ in this film.
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S. F. Kapoor says:
Please note that even though my name appears along with that of Prem Adibji in the credits for Bhagwat Mahima, I do not recall us together on screen. I did meet him a few times though. A perfect gentleman, humble, and never showing off his greatness as an iconic actor of that time. I recall only 2 or 3 days of going for the shooting, with just a few minutes of on screen time in a guest appearance in that movie. Prem Adib was a giant of the industry and he will always be Lord Rama in my mind. Thanks for the info on (Baby) Madhuri.
14. dev joshi says:
I have been doing a nostalgic program for over 36 years on the radio- Bharat Darshan in N J USA I would love to be part of this email circuit and interview people like Shashichand kapoor.
Please send me an email. The Original DJ
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S. F. Kapoor says:
I have just completed an email interview with the bloggers @ Maitri Manthan (see their post above) and this will soon be published by them @ their site later this week. This will include all the info regarding my short career in movies as well as all relevant information.
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S. F. Kapoor says:
Maitri Manthan informed me that today they have posted a blog on their site:
http://maitrimanthan.wordpress.com/2012/09/07/shashi-kapoor/
15. abhishek sharma says:
Good Evening Shashi Sir,
my name is Abhishek.I am a US citizen and work in Google(california..US)
Sir , you will not beleive that i am so emotional to see this blog.It will be awesome if you can leave any random line for me in this blogas a blessing..i will take it as the biggest gift of my life.
please sir..
with best regards, Abhishek
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S. F. Kapoor says:
Namastay Abhishek Ji:
I will never get tired of hearing from people! Modern technology allows people to connect from miles away. I feel so blessed that I came across the Cineplot blog above, and am so very thankful to the bloggers @ Maitri Manthan for their great efforts to write factual information about my life & career. We will all eventually pass when our life cycles are over. But what is created on the internet will exist just about forever. May you be blessed by the Gods of your faith!
S. F. Kapoor
16. abhishek sharma says:
Sir,
you can also me back on my email id” This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.m”
with best regards, Abhishek
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abhishek sharma says:
Sir , i had lost hope on November 6th 2012 that you will have some time from your busy schedule to to a person like me…i am blessed:
I have just made few lines for you ritenow ..really from core of my heart(in hindi)..and tears in my eys..
mere dil se na jaoge
raho chahe jahan bhi tum..
thi hasrat dekh pate aapko chhoo lete kadmo ko
baya karte kiya hai aaj poora tumne sapno ko
magar bas door se hi lijiye meri sada ko sun
mere dil se na jaoge
raho chahe jahan bhi tum
ke is takdeer ke aage nahi chalta kisi ka bas
adhure khwab apne bhi gaye zulme jahan me dhas
magar paigham yeh tera kare sare gamon ko ghum…
mere dil se na jaoge raho chahe jaha bhi tum
with best regards, Abhishek Sharma
Sir , please bless me on my email id if you liked this small gift from your fan(This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
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S. F. Kapoor says:
Thank you so very much! You have a rare gift of conveying your feelings via poetry. Do feel blessed!!!
18. Abhishek Sharma says:
Good morning sir…
feel really blessed with your compliments…a very unique gift received from a real gem from “childhood of Indian cinema(1940,s)..
may you live long sir…
regards, Abhishek
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Abhishek Sharma says:
“SIR YOU ARE REAL WINNER OF LIFE.BUT I WANT TO SHARE SOMETHING TOYOU.YOU ARE ALREADY ALMOST EIGHTY YEARS OLD…YOU HAVE ACHIEVED GOOD EDUCATION DIVINE PERSONALITY…GOOD FAME…BUT NOW YOU SHOULD FOCUS ON ACTUAL MEANING OF LIFE(I AM SURE YOU MIGHT ALREADY BE DOING THAT).I MEAN GODHEAD INSTEAD OF MATERIALISTIC WORLD….IF A PERSON DOES THAT…..HE CAN BE REAL WINNER OF DEATH TOO….
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S. F. Kapoor says:
Some of you may recall the famous quote by Charles Dickens (Bleak House?): Nothing Lasts Forever! I would like to share with the readers of this blog the following information re my health.
I have a form of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) that has severely affected my mobility & speech. My hands & fingers are weak (& getting weaker). I can’t write, hold a spoon/fork/knife/toothbrush. Edema in both legs
& venous–valve–insufficiency requires the use of Lasix and compression bandages (below the knees). I also have Spinal stenosis, ptosis of the right eyelid, asthma, and all–year–24/7–allergies.
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There is nothing that anyone can do to “help”. •
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Most issues will never get “better” or “improve”. •
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Your kind thoughts are sufficient & really most welcome. •
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Many THANKS for your past kindness and compassion.
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My mind is at peace and my body is comfortable so far. •
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By the grace of God, I have had the most wonderful life. •
S. F. Kapoor
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