Veteran Bollywood actor Shashi Kapoor has died aged 79. He died in Mumbai on Monday, Dec. 4 after years of kidney problems, his nephew confirmed.
Kapoor was a member of the Kapoor dynasty, which has been hugely influential in the Bollywood industry. He also acted in over 150 movies including hits like “Deewar” and “Kabhie Kabhie”, and featured in American and British movies.
He died in hospital in Mumbai in west India.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, saying on Twitter, “His brilliant acting will be remembered for generations to come. Saddened by his demise.”
Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor (no relation of Shashi) wrote on Instagram: “There’s never has been nor will there ever be anyone like Shashi Kapoor. He was a man of his own and transformed what it meant to be an actor. We miss you and love you always.”
Kapoor was married to the late British actress Jennifer Kendal, with whom he starred in English-language Merchant Ivory productions like “Bombay Talkie” and “Heat and Dust”. His sister-in-law is British actress Felicity Kendal.
He began his career as a child actor in the 1940s and 50s but only became a major star in the 1970s after a series of hits including “Jaanwar Aur Insaan” (1972), “Kabhi Kabhie” (1976), and “Trishna” (1979).
Following the death of his wife Jennifer from cancer in 1984, Kapoor cut back his acting.
He is survived by sons Kunal and Karan and daughter Sanjana.
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