Shatrughan Sinha

Patna, Aug. 14: Tall, broad and handsome, Shammi Kapoor was a real Rajkumar for generations of women in Bihar, some of whom wanted a spouse like him, others a son-in-law as good-looking as the Budt- ameez Brahmachari.

His demise shocked not just his fans but also several actors from the state, who grew up learning dance and style from the early films of the legendary actor.

The Telegraph spoke to few celebrated Biharis who worked with Shammi Kapoor or saw him very closely while working in Bollywood.

“He (Shammi Kapoor) ruled hearts of countless number of people in the early days of Bollywood,” said Lok Sabha MP and actor Shatrughan Sinha.

“I am very fortunate to have worked with almost all the Kapoor family members, from Prithvi Raj Kapoor to Raj Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor and Babita. With his demise an era has ended in Bollywood. He was the last Mughal among the real stars.”

Talking about his films, Sinha said: “He was a rebel performer like Marlon Brando and James Dean. Today there are many stars who are great dancers like Hrithik Roshan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan, but the way Shammiji used to dance, I don’t think anybody can do it so well. Though, he himself accepted he is not a good dancer but his unique style of dancing became so popular that generations have followed those steps.”

“I worked with him in a film called Sonu aur Monu but the film was not released due to some reason,” Sinha said adding: “Today I was supposed to attend a tree plantation programme in Patna but now I am rushing to Mumbai to attend his last rites.”

Actress Neetu Chandra said: “It’s hard to believe the real prince of Indian cinema is no more. To me, it feels like a day of national mourning. I am a big fan of his. The way he used to dance and move his eyes will always be remembered.”

Bhojpuri star Ravi Kissen said: “We have lost a great personality, who was not only a good actor but also a good human being. I tried to copy his style in many of my films. Junglee and Kashmir ki Kali are still my favourite films.”

Singer, actor Manoj Tiwari said: “Shammijee’s absence will hurt us all.”

Chief minister Nitish Kumar mourned Shammi Kapoor’s demise saying he has left a lasting imprint on the film industry through his style and acting.