Shashi Kapoor: The romance lives on

Shashi Kapoor, Bollywood’s original charmer, is no more. He dominated during the 70s and 80s as the leading man, romancing some of Bollywood’s most loved heroines on screen.

Ever the charmer, he was known to his female co-stars as someone who was always respectful towards them, on screen and off it. He was someone who greatly supported the performative arts. Natural talent that he was on the silver screen, he was famously reclusive when it came to award shows and the trappings of celebrity life. One of his greatest contributions to Indian theatre is Prithvi theatre in Mumbai, one he co-founded with his wife, Jennifer Kapoor nee Kendal.

Shashi Kapoor leaves behind a legacy of cinema and theatre that is not likely to be repeated in our lifetime.  Here, our editors pick some of his most hummable songs with seven different leading ladies. He was the personification of romance itself, a man who embodied the sentiment, whomever he was romancing onscreen, as is evident by these songs. 

With Asha Parekh - Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe:

With Neetu Kapoor - Keh Doon Tumhein:

With Sharmila Tagore - Wada Karo Nahin Chhodoge Tum Mera Saath:

With Rakhee - Khilte Hain Gul Yahan:

With Nanda - Ek Tha Gul Aur Ek Thi Bulbul:

With Hema Malini - Sa Re Ga Ma Pa:

With Shabana Azmi - Tota Maina Ki Kahani: