Best of Shashi Kapoor: The enigma of Hindi cinema that was and will forever be

‘Dharmputra’ (1961)

Released in the year 1961, ‘Dharmputra’ was Shashi Kapoor’s debut film as an adult. The actor’s marked himself as an intense performer and his calibre was known to the world with the first film itself.

‘Jab Jab Phool Khile’ (1965)

A cult classic, this was one of the first films that gained him the international fame and prominence. Post the release of this film, Shashi Kapoor was one of the most successful Indian actors in North African countries like Algeria, Morocco and Libya. The film was screened in Algeria's cinema halls every two days for a couple of years; there was a huge public demand for it.

‘Deewar’ (1975)

One of the greatest films ever made in Indian Cinema, this film will always be remembered for various reasons. One being Shashi Kapoor’s brilliant performance. Who can ever forget the iconic dialogue delivered by the actor to Amitabh Bachchan, “Mere Paas Maa Hai”.

‘Kabhi Kabhie’ (1976)

Not among the actor's best works but the ensemble cast had everyone's eyes set on this one. His scenes with his co-stars Amitabh Bachchan and Rakhee Gulzar are still remembered for his convincing and heart touching performance.

‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’ (1978)

Directed by his elder brother Raj Kapoor, ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’ had Shashi Kapoor opposite Zeenat Aman. The film when released caused much controversy for it's bold scenes but certainly turned out to be much ahead of its time.

‘Junoon’ (1979)

Undoubtedly, ‘Junoon’ is a lost gem that deserves more attention than it has received over the last three decades. It was Shashi Kapoor’s first film as a producer under his banner of Film-Valas. Shashi Kapoor’s performance is breathtaking as Javed Khan, a love struck feudal chieftain, who falls for a young British girl Ruth Labadoor (played by Nafisa Ali).

‘Silsila’ (1981)

With this film, Shashi Kapoor as an actor proved that he doesn't need much screen time to make a deep impact with his performance. His dialogue, “Hum gayab hone waalo mein se nahi hai… jahan jahan se guzharte hai jalwe dikhate hai… dost toh kya, dushman bhi yaad rakhte hai” is still considered to be an iconic line.

‘Kalyug’ (1981)

Shashi Kapoor’s second film as a producer, this film was India's greatest epic 'Mahabharata' adapted in today's age. The actor played the role of Karan Singh which had traits from the character of warrior Karna. An absolute brilliant cinematic work.

‘Namak Halaal’ (1982)

One of the best performances of Shashi Kapoor was in the film ‘Namak Halaal’. His chemistry with megastar Amitabh Bachchan was one of the prime highlights of this film and he received a lot of appreciation for it as well.

‘Vijeta’ (1982)

Very subdued and realistic, ‘Vijeta’ was a heart touching as well as an inspiring movie about the father-son relationship. The film stared his son Kunal Kapoor playing the lead role and Rekha and himself (Shashi Kapoor) playing the role of his parents. The film was also produced by Shashi Kapoor only and directed by Govind Nihlani.

‘New Delhi Times’ (1986)

The film stands out for its simple narrative and the excellent performance delivered by Shashi Kapoor as Vikas Pande. The film won him his much deserved and only National Film Award for Best Actor.