Sanjay Leela Bhansali On Shashi Kapoor
“The first film I ever saw in my life was Jab Jab Phool Khile.I must have been all of 6 at that time. And it left a lasting impression on me.I saw it over and over again and couldn’t stop singing and dancing to Shashiji’s Humko tumpe pyar aaya. What I remember the most is Shashiji’s charisma and natural performance.He was so effortless. Even for a 6-year old his charm was infectious. As I grew up I saw him in other films where his performance was the opposite of theatrical…And yet his love for the theatre is legendary.My favourite ShashiKapoor films? Oh, so many. My favourites are Sharmilee where Raakheeji had a double role but Shashiji left an equally strong impact …who can forget his expressions of heartbreak in the song Kaise kahen hum pyar ne hum kya kya khel dikhaye?My heart breaks each time I watch him in that song. Then my other favourite is Haseena Maan Jayegi where Shashijihad a double role as the Good Hero and Bad Hero.He was so convincing creating two contrasting characters. He made a terrific pair with Babitaji in Haseena Maan Jayegi and EkShriman Shrimati who married Shashiji’s nephew.In fact Shashiji looked good with every heroine be it Nandaji, Sharmilaji or Hemaji or Ashaji or even Neetu Singhji in Deewaar andKala Patthar. I can’t think of a single heroine who didn’t suit Shashiji . He was equally at home with his wife Jenniferji in Shakespearewallah. I will always remember Shashiji for putting all the money that he made as an actor in Hindi commercial films, into making non-mainstream films. 36 Chowringhee Lane is one of the finest film I’ve ever seen. I wish I had a producer like Shashiji when I was starting out. He encouraged talent and art because he had a deep knowledge of cinema and theatre. Among his many talents the most important was his indelible connection with the forces of creativity. Shashiji was a kindered spirit.”