The Kapoor connect

Ranjan Das Gupta

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Raj, Shammi and Shahsi Kapoor along with Prithviraj Kapoor formed the first family of the Hindi film industry. Later Randhir, Rishi and Ranvir Kapoor carried on the illustrious legacy. The connect between the senior Kapoors is the strongest bond in cinematic history. Even the Anands, who are equally famous, did not have such a strong family connection. 

Regarding this Neela Devi, Shammi Kapoor’s wife says, “All the Kapoor brothers had an emotional bondage with each other.”

The eldest Raj Kapoor was the most talented and famous of the three. He never cast any of his brothers in pivotal characters in RK Films during his halcyon days. Shahsi Kapoor performed as a child artist in Aag and Awara directed by his eldest brother. Raj Kapoor did not believe in histrionic confrontations with his own brothers. Quite late during his directional career, Raj Kapoor cast Shahsi Kapoor in Satyam Shivam Sundaram. He also directed Shammi Kapoor in Prem Rog.

Raj Kapoor was very affectionate to both his brothers. He knew well that Shammi Kapoor would never take his help to make his career. Besides, Raj Kapoor had a lot of confidence in sister-in-law Geeta Bali. He knew she would co-operate with Shammi Kapoor. Both Raj and Shammi were very possessive about Shashi Kapoor. Yet, without backing him they allowed Shashi Kapoor to struggle and stand on his feet.

In the 70’s Shashi Kapoor worked in double shifts. Raj Kapoor termed him a taxi. When casting was the issue, he was adamant not to shoot Satyam Shivam Sundaram without Shashi Kapoor. When Randhir Kapoor requested him to cast him, Raj Kapoor refused point blank. Raj Kapoor had said that Shammi Kapoor was the most unpredictable actor in the Kapoor family.

All the Kapoor brothers were together, a perfect sight of unity. To Shahsi Kapoor, Raj Kapoor was Bada Bhaiya and Shammi Kapoor, Bada Saab. Raj Kapoor’s famous parties had all the three brothers share the best of vibes. Never there was a single incident of conflict with the Kapoors. Krishna Raj Kapoor was a motherly figure to her brother-in-laws.

Says Randhir Kapoor, “My father and uncles were all very good actors. Each had his individuality. “Raj Kapoor’s off screen romances with Nargis, Padmini or Vyjanthimala never lowered his respect. He always gave priority to his family. In fact, Raj Kapoor termed Jenifer Kendal an angel. Shashi Kapoor genuinely felt Sangam was not a memorable film. To him Jagte Raho and Mera Naam Joker were masterpieces. Shammi Kapoor had open heated debates and criticized anyone who spoke ill of Raj Kapoor sans constructive evaluation.

After Mera Naam Joker flopped, both brothers stood by Raj Kapoor’s side rendering encouragement and emotional support. After Raj Kapoor passed away, Shammi Kapoor stood silent, shocked and heartbroken. Shashi Kapoor could not control his tears. Randhir Kapoor says, “My father and uncles were inseparable. To both Shammi and Shashi uncle, my father was a true hero.”