March 18, 2025: On the 87th birth anniversary of legendary actor Shashi Kapoor on Tuesday, his grandson Zahan Kapoor took a moment to honor the memory of his iconic “dadaji.” Zahan, who made his acting debut with the Netflix series Black Warrant, shared a heartfelt tribute on his Instagram by posting a couple of nostalgic photographs of Shashi Kapoor.
One of the images shows the veteran actor sitting at his home in a simple white kurta-pajama, holding a book and a pipe. A large portrait of a warrior hanging behind him adds an elegant, timeless touch to the setting. In another picture, Shashi Kapoor is seen at the iconic Prithvi Theatre, surrounded by posters of films and plays that reflect his deep involvement with the arts.
Along with these treasured memories, Zahan wrote, “Saalgirah dadaji” (Happy birth anniversary, grandpa), acknowledging his grandfather’s monumental impact on Indian cinema.
Shashi Kapoor, who passed away in December 2017 at the age of 79 due to liver-related issues, remains an enduring legend in the industry. A Padma Bhushan awardee, Shashi Kapoor’s career spanned over four decades, during which he appeared in more than 150 films, including several in English.
His journey in film started as a child actor in the late 1940s, with roles in films such as Sangram (1950) and Dana Paani (1953). His first major leading role came in the 1961 Yash Chopra-directed Dharmputra, which was one of the earliest films to address the theme of partition. Over the years, Kapoor became known for his remarkable collaborations with Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, with notable films such as Deewar (1975), Kabhie Kabhie (1976), Trishul (1978), Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965), and Namak Halal (1982).
His contributions to Indian cinema have left an indelible mark, and his legacy continues to inspire generations, including his grandson Zahan, who keeps his memory alive through such beautiful tributes.