India confers Dadasaheb Phalke award on Shashi Kapoor

Today was a memorable and special day for legendary actor Shashi Kapoor. Mumbai’s Prithvi Theatre was the center of attraction where the ailing old man, who once used to be the leading actor of the 70s in India, received his award.

The entire Kapoor family had gathered on the occasion to witness the award ceremony. Indian Information and Broadcasting minister Arun Jaitley presented the award to Shashi on the occasion. The award was conferred on Kapoor for his outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. Actors Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek Bachchan were also present at the occasion. Shashi made his way to the stage in a wheelchair, owing to his currently ill health. The star accepted his award and smiled politely at the august gathering.

A special audio-visual celebrating Shashi’s film and personal journey was also screened at the event. It featured Amitabh, Shabana Azmi, Sharmila Tagore, Rishi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor talking about the cinematic icon, who also had an equal penchant for theatre.

Shashi Kapoor was one of the most prolific actors Bollywood produced. In the 60s, 70s and early 80s, Kapoor was one of the most sought after actors in India. Satyam Shivam Sundharam, Jab Jab Phool Khile, Deewaar, Namak Halaal, Kabhi Kabhi, Kalyug, Silsila and Kaala Pathar were one of his most renowned works. As a young man, he had impeccably good looks and a charming personality which won him much fame and acclaim with women. Shashi was also one of the very first actors to breakthrough to international films such as The Householder, Shakespeare Wallah, Bombay Talkie and Heat and Dust. 

Shashi is the 46th winner of the Dadasaheb Phalke award, which is the highest award for contribution to Indian cinema. It was a good gesture on the behalf of the entire Kapoor family to show up at the important occasion and show their love for Shashi.

And his heroines! WOW pic.twitter.com/EmnyOvxtYS

— rishi kapoor (@chintskap) May 10, 2015

Shashi Ji's contribution to Cinema & Theatre is unparalleled. Congratulations to him for the #DadaSahebPhalkeAward.:) pic.twitter.com/IKgFi5Sx9U

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) May 10, 2015