The Kapoor dynasty, one of the most illustrious in Indian cinema, began with the legendary Prithviraj Kapoor. As the patriarch of the Kapoor family, Prithviraj Kapoor’s contributions to cinema laid the foundation for a legacy that continues to thrive through his descendants. Today, Ranbir Kapoor is hailed as one of the finest actors in Bollywood, carrying forward the Kapoor legacy with pride. As he made his debut in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Saawariya’, his grand-uncles Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor offered their blessings and thoughts on his entry into the industry during an event for the launch of the Prithvi Theatre book.
In a throwback interview, Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor reminisced about their father, Prithviraj Kapoor, sharing anecdotes about his unwavering dedication to his craft, his humility and his commitment to nurturing new talent through the iconic Prithvi Theatres. Prithvi Theatres, established by Prithviraj Kapoor, was not just a family venture but a way of light for aspiring artists. It provided a platform for newcomers to showcase their talent and make a mark in the industry. It was also the place where Shammi and Shashi Kapoor began their own journeys toward stardom, achieving remarkable success in their careers.
As Ranbir Kapoor prepared to debut with ‘Saawariya’ in 2007, his legendary grand-uncles, Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor, shared their blessings and opinions. Shashi Kapoor expressed his affection, saying, “My blessings and love are always with him, and I want him to stay grounded”. Shammi Kapoor, reflecting on the weight of the Kapoor legacy built by Prithviraj Kapoor. He noted, “It’s a very tough fight for Ranbir”, while also expressing his belief in Ranbir’s hard work and determination to uphold the family name.
Shammi Kapoor later appeared in Ranbir’s 2011 film ‘Rockstar’ in a touching on-screen collaboration that delighted fans and the industry alike. This moment became all the more poignant as it was one of Shammi Kapoor’s final performances before his passing. The scene featuring the real-life grand-uncle and grand-nephew duo remains etched in Bollywood history as a beautiful testament to the Kapoor family’s enduring legacy.
The interview also revealed some of Prithviraj Kapoor’s unique approaches to his craft, such as using the rearview mirror in his car not to check traffic but to practice different expressions. Such stories underscore the dedication and passion that defined the Kapoor family’s approach to cinema. To catch similar interesting anecdotes watch the interview below.
With the blessings of Shammi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, his family and his own relentless dedication, undoubtedly Ranbir Kapoor has successfully continued the Kapoor legacy. His versatile roles in films like Rockstar, Wake Up Sid, Barfi!, Sanju, Tamasha and the current megahit ‘Animal’ have firmly established him as a powerhouse in Bollywood.
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