Golden Era of Bollywood: Remembering SHAMMI KAPOOR on his 85th Birth Anniversary

SHAMSHER RAJ KAPOOR was the real name of Shammi Kapoor,born on 21st Oct.1931 in Bombay.Shammi Kapoor was not launched as a star kid by his superstar father Prithviraj Kapoor. He struggled for years to carve his niche in Bollywood. He began his career working for his father’s Prithvi Theatre as a junior artiste at a monthly salary of Rs 50. He made his debut in Hindi Films in the year 1953, when the film Jeevan Jyoti was released. It was directed by Mahesh Kaul and Chand Usmani was Kapoor’s first heroine.

Song from Jeevan Jyoti 1953 Shammi's First Film

During the early years, 1952 to 1955, he acted in the following films: "Rail ka Dibba" with Madhubala. "Laila Majnu" with Nutan. "Thokar" with Shyama. "Shama Parvana" with Suraiya. "Hum Sab Chor Hain" with Nalini Jaiwant. Sahil, Tangewali, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Miss Coca Cola, Mohar, Rangeen Raten, Gul Sanobar, Daku, Coffee House, Naqab, Mirza Sahiban, Chor Bazaar, Sipah Salar and some more nondescript films followed,

Song from Tumsa Nahin Dekha 1957

His first big success came with Tumsa Nahin Dekha which was released in 1957. Between 1957 and 1959 he acted in Dil Deke Dekho, Mujrim, Ujala, Singapore, College Girl, Boy Friend, Basant, Preet Na Jane Reet. He became a Star with the release of Junglee in 1961.

Song from Junglee 1961

Between 1960 & 1964 he acted in Professor, China Town, Char Dil Char Rahen, Raat ke Raahi, Dil Tera Diwana, Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya, Kashmir Ki Kali, Bluff Master, Janwar, Rajkumar.

Song from Teesri Manzil 1966

From 1966 onwards his releases were Teesri Manzil, Budtameez, Laat Saheb, An Evening In Paris, Tumse Achha Kaun Hai, Jawan Mohabbat, Prince, Brahmachari, Pagla Kahin Ka, Andaaz, Sachai, Pritam, Chote Sarkar, Jaane Anjaane. He got the 1968 Filmfare Award for the best actor for the film Brahmchari.

Song from Brahmchari 1968

Shammi Kapoor made his last appearance in Imitiaz Ali's directorial venture called Rockstar in which he has acted along with his Grandnephew Ranbir Kapoor.

The super-energetic dancer who taught Indians how to groove, will always be remembered for his lively screen-presence. A romantic hero who was proverbially born with his dancing shoes on, was also a tech-geek and was way ahead of his contemporaries in visualising trends.