When I entered into Bolly blogland it seemed everywhere I went someone was talking about this person Shashi Kapoor. It was like he was in every classic bollywood movie being reviewed, I even stumbled into Shashi week (I think that was you Beth?). Anyway, the more I see of him, the more I am fascinated and filled with a desire to familiarize myself with his work.
My exposure to vintage cinema, even Hollywood, is at best minimal and before I experienced the great joy of Hindi film, I never really even had a favorite classic leading man. However, there is just something about Shashi that has got me wanting more. So my question to you, what is your favorite Shashi film and why? I'm desperate to get my hands of some of his work and will be compiling a "must see" Shashi list for the next time I get into the city.
November 6, 2009 at 4:15 PM
There are a lot of good Sashi movies. Serious ones include "Vijeta", "Kalyug" (both were produced by Sashi himself), "Householder and other Merchant Ivory Films. Other enjoyable sashi films (most of them with Amitabh as the other hero) include "Trishul", "Namak Halal" "Kabhi Kabhi" etc. Sharmilee is one of his earlier movies where he was the main hero with Rakhee. I think Beth will be able to give you a full list of Sashi movies.
cheers
November 8, 2009 at 2:40 PM
Hehe... He is pretty popular in blogland! :-)
To start out with Shashi, I'd say Sharmilee for sure - it has so much pretty, lovely songs, and so many plot twists that it keeps you engaged. I do love all his serious films too (anonymous above has made a great list) but they are not such universal favorites.
PS: I have a big Shashi collection and will be happy to share if you like!
November 8, 2009 at 6:25 PM
My favorite Shashi film is probably Suhaag. It has just the right combination of humor, romance, wackiness, unrealistic action scenes, and family sentiment to make it the perfect masala film for me (minus a few minor quibbles). Of course, it probably helps that I watched it for the first time with my little sisters, who laughed at all the funny parts along with me and made the experience much more enjoyable.
I also really like several of Shashi's 60s films. I love Pyaar Kiye Jaa for its sheer exuberance, even if it doesn't have the most fantastic plot.
November 8, 2009 at 8:54 PM
Thanks all for your recommendations so far and bollyviewer, I may have to come and have a Shashi visit next time I'm in Calgary!
November 9, 2009 at 8:00 AM
I haven't seen too many of his movies, but I really liked Satyam Shivam Sundarum.
November 9, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Hi ajnabi! Thanks for coming by, it's been a while! I'll have to look that one up!
November 9, 2009 at 3:08 PM
Pyaar Kiya Ja is the hindi remake of the tamil film "Kaadilika Neram Illai" (there is no time for love) - also a hit comedy movie.
November 9, 2009 at 3:29 PM
Comedy is good. Thanks anon.
November 9, 2009 at 5:19 PM
Ooh! Try almost all his movies Amitabh! (Shashi-tabh rules! Even if it is more Amitabh than Shashi.) But, I don't if that would turn you into Shashi's fan or Big B's ;-).
November 10, 2009 at 10:05 AM
There's nothing wrong with being a fan of both of them. I already have a soft spot for Amitabh. I would love to see the dream team in action!
September 9, 2012 at 2:06 AM
I would recommend Aa gale lag ja and Abhinetri. I think Shashi Kapoor is the most handsome person in this world.