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Entertainment • Actor

Shashi Kapoor

Shashi Kapoor was an Indian actor and producer known for a long career in Hindi cinema and for appearing in some English-language films.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Shashi Kapoor was an Indian actor and producer known for a long career in Hindi cinema and for appearing in some English-language films. Born Balbir Raj Kapoor in 1938, he worked for more than five decades and was associated with both mainstream and art-house films. He died in Mumbai in 2017 at the age of 79.

Early life and family

Shashi Kapoor was born Balbir Raj Kapoor in Calcutta in 1938. He came from the Kapoor acting family and was the youngest son of Prithviraj Kapoor.

Film career

Kapoor worked as a child actor before becoming a leading actor in 1961. He later appeared in a wide range of Hindi films and also in English-language and international productions.

Theatre and production work

He was also involved in theatre and film production, including work connected with Prithvi Theatre. His career extended beyond acting into producing and supporting stage activity.

Awards and recognition

Kapoor received several major honours for his contribution to Indian cinema, including the Padma Bhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Key facts

  • He was the youngest son of actor Prithviraj Kapoor.
  • He began acting as a child and later became a leading man in Hindi films.
  • His film career included mainstream Bollywood films and art-house productions.
  • He received major Indian honours including the Padma Bhushan in 2011 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2014.
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Canadian context

Shashi Kapoor is of interest to Canadian readers as part of the global history of Indian cinema and diaspora film culture. His work with English-language productions also gives him relevance in broader international film studies.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Shashi Kapoor?
He was an Indian actor and producer best known for his work in Hindi cinema and for several English-language films.
What was Shashi Kapoor’s birth name?
His birth name was Balbir Raj Kapoor.
When was Shashi Kapoor born?
He was born on 18 March 1938.
When did Shashi Kapoor die?
He died on 4 December 2017 in Mumbai.
What honours did Shashi Kapoor receive?
He received the Padma Bhushan in 2011 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2014.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shashi-Kapoor
    Supports: Birth, death, profession, and overview of career
  2. Television Academy — https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/shashi-kapoor
    Supports: Biography, film career, debut, death, and international productions
  3. British Film Institute — https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/news/shashi-kapoor-obituary-indian-star-producer-who-found-global-fame
    Supports: Crossover status, producer role, and awards
  4. NDTV — https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/remembering-shashi-kapoor-the-veteran-versatile-bollywood-legend-1783514
    Supports: Family background, marriage, theatre involvement, and honours