Shammi Kapoor (1931-2011)
Originally Shamsher Raj Kapoor. Actor born in Bombay, younger brother of Raj Kapoor. Employed in his father Prithviraj Kapoor’s Prithvi Theatres 1948-52. Introduced in mildly successful swashbuckling imitations of Errol Flynn in a phase that he later described as ‘playing a male starlet’. With Tumsa Nahin Dekha he shaved his pencil moustache and started evoking James Dean and Elvis Presley (e.g. Baar baar dekho in China Town) following the more freewheeling approach elaborated by Dev Anand. This style set the tone for Filmistan’s late 50s films, e.g. Shakti Samanta’s b&w whodunits and colour romances, laying the foundations for Manmohan Desai’s later appeal to an urban lumpen culture in e.g. Bluff Master. Kapoor often played a spoiled, rich lad who wins over the girl but also gets embroiled in gang rackets or family feuds, all of which are solved by beating up the villain. Most remarkable performance in Junglee. Presided over the Hindi cinema’s first consistent attempts to address a Westernised teenage audience with songs invoking Western rock, often picturised in discotheques. These were the prototypes of a 60s consumerist cinema that, in Manmohan Desai’s words, consisted entirely of ‘highlights’, i.e. loosely strung together, dramatically selfcontained episodes. His 70s directorial efforts include a Hindi remake of Irma La Douce, 1963 (Manoranjan). Married Geeta Bali in1955. Remarried after her death. Since the mid-70s has often appeared in bearded, middle-aged character parts and also in television serials. Produced a video entertainment magazine called ‘Shammi Kapoor Presents Manoranjan’. Chairman of the Internet Users Club of India.
FILMOGRAPHY (* also d): 1953: Gul Sanobar; Jeevan Jyoti; Laila Majnu; Rail Ka Dibba; Thokar; 1954: Chor Bazaar; Ehsan; Mehbooba; Shama Parwana; 1955: Daku; Miss Coca Cola; Naqab; Tangewali; 1956: Hum Sub Chor Hain; Mem Sahib; Rangeen Raatein; Sipahsalaar; 1957: Coffee House; Mirza Sahiban; Maharani; Tumsa Nahin Dekha; 1958: Mujrim; 1959: Dil Deke Dekho; Mohar; Raat Ke Rahi; Ujala; Char Dil Char Raahein; Sahil; 1960: Basant; College Girl; Singapore; 1961: Boy Friend; Junglee; 1962: China Town; Dil Tera Diwana; Professor; Vallah Kya Baat Hai; 1963: Bluff Master; Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya; Shaheed Bhagat Singh; 1964: Kashmir Ki Kali; Rajkumar; 1965: Jaanwar; 1966: Badtameez; Teesri Manzil; Preet Na Jane Reet; 1967: An Evening in Paris; Laat Saheb; 1968: Brahmachari; 1969: Prince; Sachaai; Tumse Achha Kaun Hai; 1970: Pagla Kahin Ka; 1971: Andaz; Jaane Anjane; Preetam; Jawan Mohabbat; 1974: Manoranjan*; Chhote Sarkar; 1975: Salaakhen; Zameer; 1976: Bandalbaaz*; 1977: Mama Bhanja; Parvarish; 1978: Shalimar; 1979: Ahsaas; Meera; 1981: Ahista Ahista; Armaan; Harjaai; Professor Pyarelal; Naseeb; Rocky; Biwi-o-Biwi; 1982: Yeh Vaada Raha; Desh Premi; Prem Rog; Vidhata; 1983: Betaab; Ek Jaan Hain Hum; Hero; Romance; Aan Aur Shaan; Wanted; 1984: Sohni Mahiwal (H); 1985: Badal; Balidan; Ek Se Bhale Do; Ram Tere Kitne Naam; 1986: Allah Rakha; Kala Dhandha Goray Log; Karamdaata; Ghar Sansar; 1987: Himmat Aur Mehnat; Hukumat; Ijaazat; 1989: Daata; Bade Ghar Ki Beti; Mohabbat Ka Paigam; Batwara; 1990: Dhadaka; 1991: Ajooba; Mast Kalandar; Lakshmanrekha; 1992: Nishchay; Humshakal; Tahalka; Chamatkar (H); Heer Ranjha; Khule Aam; Mahashay; 1993: Gardish; Aaja Meri Jaan; Dosti Ki Saugandh; Tum Karo Vaada; 1994: Pyar Ka Rog; Premyog; Rock Dancer.