He danced his way into the hearts of millions and broke several stereotypes along the way. Shammi Kapoor, who wooed his heroines and audiences alike by breaking into impromptu jigs while singing romantic numbers, died of renal failure around 5am on Sunday at Breach Candy Hospital. He was 79.
The best of Shammi Kapoor - through his songs!
End of an era: The life and times of Shammi Kapoor
Son Aditya Raj Kapoor, daughter Kanchan, sister-in-law Krishna Raj Kapoor and other members of the Kapoor family were outside the ICU when he breathed his last. “He died a happy and fulfilled man despite health problems,” Aditya Raj said. He was admitted to hospital last week. “He had been on dialysis after his kidneys failed a few years ago.”
Known as the Elvis Presley of India, Kapoor was one of the iconic stars of Hindi cinema. His zest for life and energy was infectious, say colleagues, contemporaries and present day actors and actresses. The flamboyance and joie de vivre of the Industry lost, tweeted Amitabh Bachchan. The funeral will be held at the Banganga crematorium on Monday after his grandson (Aditya Raj's son) arrives from the US.
