Shashi Kapoor, often remembered for his charming looks and romantic roles, was much more than just a Bollywood heartthrob. He was a powerhouse of talent, delivering some of the most nuanced and underappreciated performances in Indian cinema. Here’s a look at ten of his finest yet underrated performances that prove he was a true acting legend.
1. Dharamputra (1961)
It’s hard to believe that this was Shashi Kapoor’s first adult role. Playing a young man confused about his religious identity, Shashi more than proved that he was a chip off the old Kapoor block. His portrayal of internal conflict and emotional turmoil made this film a significant milestone in his career.
2. The Householder (1963)
Playing a newly married husband who must cope with an aggressive wife (played by Leela Naidu), Shashi
Kapoor embodied the gentle soul with trembling lips and curly eyelashes that women found irresistible. However, beyond his poster-boy image, he delivered a heartfelt and honest performance. James Ivory directed Shashi multiple times, but this remains their finest collaboration.
3. Haseena Maan Jayegi (1967)
In his first and only double role, Shashi Kapoor masterfully brought out the nuances to differentiate between the good guy and the bad guy. His effortless transition between two starkly opposite characters made this performance one of his most memorable.
4. Siddhartha (1972)
Conrad Rooks’ film about spiritual awakening featured Shashi Kapoor as a pin-up boy of the ascetic world. While the film itself was pretentious in parts, Shashi’s honest and deeply immersive performance made it stand out.
5. Kabhi Kabhie (1975)
Although the film’s primary focus was on the Amitabh Bachchan-Raakhee romance, Shashi Kapoor played the role of a genial husband who loves his wife despite her lingering feelings for someone else. His performance brought a cascade of sunshine into Yash Chopra’s romantic musical, making his character one of the most endearing aspects of the film.
6. Junoon (1978)
Shashi Kapoor’s foray into parallel cinema began with Shyam Benegal’s period drama. Looking incredibly handsome on a horse, he played a rebel with a patriotic cause. One of his finest performances, the film also starred his wife Jennifer Kapoor, who played a British woman caught in a delicate situation with his character.
7. Kalyug (1980)
Shyam Benegal’s modern retelling of the Mahabharata, set in the corporate world, saw Shashi Kapoor excel as a conflicted industrialist. His portrayal of moral dilemmas and power struggles showcased his ability to bring depth to complex characters.
8. Vijeta (1982)
Set against the backdrop of the Indian Air Force, this Govind Nihalani-directed film featured Shashi Kapoor alongside his real-life son, Kunal Kapoor. The film explored the father-son relationship and their struggles to come to terms with life’s realities. As a producer, Shashi Kapoor gave the industry yet another cinematic gem with this emotionally rich film.
9. New Delhi Times (1983)
Shashi Kapoor won the National Award for his stellar portrayal of a fearless newspaper editor, a character reportedly modeled on Arun Shourie. His performance was intense, layered, and a testament to his ability to carry a serious, politically charged film on his shoulders.
10. Utsav (1984)
In this period drama set in the 2nd century, Shashi Kapoor took on the role of the lecherous and overweight Sansthanak, a role initially meant for Amitabh Bachchan. To prepare for the role, he gained a significant amount of weight, showcasing his commitment to his craft. Unfortunately, despite his dedicated performance, the Girish Karnad-directed film failed at the box office. However, for Shashi Kapoor, commercial success was never the priority self-expression and artistic integrity always came first.
