Lesser-known facts about the yesteryear superstar Shammi Kapoor

Shammi Kapoor was a Bollywood actor and director. He was one of the greatest and legendary actors of Indian cinema. He was the superstar of his era. Yes, he is hailed as one of the leading stars of Indian cinema during 50s to 70s. He made his debut with movie Jeevan Jyoti in 1953 and later went on to deliver mega hits such as Tumsa Nahin Dekha, Jungalee, Professor, China Town and Sachaai among others. He grew up in the family where most of them were in the film industry and had huge respect for art and artists and that's why he too grew up to become an actor.  

His spontaneity on screen was loved by the viewers and he continued to entertain his fans for not just one or two but five decades. On August 14, 2011, the actor left for heavenly abode due to renal failure. His last film, before his death, was Rockstar. Many people know about Shammi Kapoor and about his career as an actor but people hardly know about his personal life and some facts like his love life. Let’s unravel about Shammi Kapoor.

His real name is Shamsher Raj Kapoor.

Shammi Kapoor was known as the Indian Elvis Presley.

Shammi Kapoor was not launched by his famous father Prithviraj Kapoor.

He started off his career by working in his father’s Prithvi Theatre as a junior artiste. He used to get the monthly salary of Rs 50.

Many do not know that he was the Founder and Chairman of Internet Users Community of India.

He gave in a lot of efforts to enable the setting up of Ethical Hackers Association.

​He started a website dedicated to the Kapoor family and updated all the information as well.

His dance moves were often referred to as ‘gardan tod’ which means neck-breaking.

Shammi Kapoor met Geeta Bali in 1955 on the sets of Rangeen Raaten in which she had a guest appearance. They married just four months after meeting.

​His first wife Geeta passed away due to smallpox in 1965.

Shammi then married actress Neila Devi four years later on the condition that she would take care of Shammi and kids.

​Shammi and Geeta had two kids: son Aditya Raj Kapoor and daughter Kanchan.