Shashi Kapoor Biography: Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Wife, Partner, Awards, Movie, Height, Children

Balbir Raj Kapoor, widely recognized as Shashi Kapoor, was a distinguished Indian actor and producer renowned for his extensive contributions to Hindi cinema and his ventures into English-language films.

As a child artist, he began his acting journey, portraying younger versions of his brother, Raj Kapoor, in classics such as Aag (1948) and Awaara (1951).

Kapoor debuted as a leading actor in Dharmputra (1961) and had a prolific career, featuring in 116 Hindi films—61 as a solo lead, 55 in multi-starrer projects, 21 supporting roles, and seven guest appearances.

Known for his versatility, he seamlessly navigated between mainstream Hindi cinema, parallel cinema, and international projects, leaving an enduring legacy in the film industry.

Profile

• Full Name: Balbir Raj Prithviraj Kapoor
• Stage Name: Shashi Kapoor
• Born: March 18, 1938
• Died: December 4 2017
• Age: 79 years old
• Birthplace: Kolkata, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Indian actor and producer
• Height: Unknown
• Parent: Prithviraj Kapoor ,Ramsarni “Rama” Mehra Kapoor
• Siblings: Shammi Kapoor, Raj Kapoor, Urmila Sial Kapoor, Nandi Kapoor, Devi Kapoor
• Spouse: Jennifer Kendal (m. 1958–1984)
• Children: Karan Kapoor, Kunal Kapoor, Sanjana Kapoor
• Relationship: Widow
• Net Worth: $60 million and $80 million.

Early Life And Education

Balbir Raj Prithviraj Kapoor, popularly known as Shashi Kapoor, was born on March 18, 1938, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), West Bengal, India.

He was the son of legendary actor Prithviraj Kapoor and Ramsarni “Rama” Mehra Kapoor and was part of the renowned Kapoor family of Indian cinema.

His elder brothers, Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor, were also celebrated actors. Shashi attended Don Bosco High School in Mumbai but did not complete his formal education, choosing instead to follow his passion for acting. He belonged to the Punjabi Khatri community and was raised in a Hindu household.

Career

Shashi Kapoor began his cinematic journey as a child actor, appearing in films such as Aag (1948) and Awaara (1951), where he portrayed younger versions of his brother, Raj Kapoor.

As he transitioned to adult roles in the early 1960s, he debuted as a leading actor in Yash Chopra’s Dharmputra (1961).

This marked the beginning of a successful career as a solo hero in Hindi cinema, establishing Kapoor as a charming and talented actor with a distinctive screen presence.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Kapoor delivered numerous memorable performances in films like Prem Patra (1962), The Householder (1963), Shakespeare Wallah (1965), and Waqt (1965).

His versatility extended beyond Bollywood, as he also took on roles in English-language films such as Pretty Polly (1967) and Siddhartha (1972).

Kapoor was one of the first Indian actors to gain recognition in international cinema, with films like Bombay Talkie (1970) and Heat and Dust (1983) further cementing his reputation as a global star.

He frequently collaborated with renowned filmmakers like James Ivory and Ismail Merchant, contributing significantly to parallel and crossover cinema.

Beyond acting, Kapoor made notable contributions as a producer and director. He produced critically acclaimed films such as Junoon (1979), Kalyug (1981), and Vijeta (1982), which showcased his commitment to meaningful storytelling.

He also worked behind the scenes as an assistant director on projects like Post Box 999 (1958) and Manoranjan (1974).

His remarkable contributions to cinema earned him several prestigious accolades, including the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for Deewaar (1975) and a nomination for Kabhi Kabhie (1976).

Honoring his legacy, the Government of India bestowed upon him the Padma Bhushan in 2011, followed by the esteemed Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2014 for his lifetime contributions to Indian cinema.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @shashikapoorjithelegend

Personal Life

Shashi Kapoor married English actress Jennifer Kendal in July 1958. The couple first met in 1956 while performing with their respective theater groups in Calcutta—Jennifer as part of her father Geoffrey Kendal’s Shakespeareana theater company and Shashi with his father Prithviraj Kapoor’s Prithvi Theatre.

Together, they built a life centered around the arts. They had three children: Kunal Kapoor, an ad film director; Karan Kapoor, a model and photographer based in London; and Sanjana Kapoor, a prominent theater personality.

Jennifer’s passing in 1984 due to cancer deeply impacted Shashi, yet he continued to uphold their shared theatrical legacy.

He passed away on December 4, 2017, at 79, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, leaving an enduring legacy in Indian and international cinema.

Filmography

• Aag (1948)
• Awaara (1951)
• Dharmputra (1961)
• Prem Patra (1962)
• The Householder (1963)
• Shakespeare Wallah (1965)
• Waqt (1965)
• Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965)
• Pretty Polly (1967)
• Bombay Talkie (1970)
• Siddhartha (1972)
• Deewaar (1975)
• Kabhi Kabhie (1976)
• Heat and Dust (1983)
• Sammy and Rosie Get Laid (1987)
• The Deceivers (1988)
• In Custody (1994)
• Jinnah (1998)
• Junoon (1979)
• Kalyug (1981)
• 36 Chowringhee Lane (1981)
• Vijeta (1982)
• Utsav (1984)
• Ajooba (1991)
• Assistant Director
• Post Box 999 (1958)
• Guest House (1959)
• Shriman Satyawadi (1960)
• Dulha Dulhan (1964)
• Manoranjan (1974)

Net Worth

Shashi Kapoor’s net worth at the time of his passing was estimated to be between $60 million and $80 million.

His wealth stemmed primarily from his illustrious acting career in Hindi cinema, where he starred in over 160 commercial and art-house genres.

Additionally, his work in international cinema, particularly through collaborations with acclaimed filmmakers like James Ivory and Ismail Merchant, further contributed to his financial success and global recognition.