Tumse Acha Kaun Hai...

On Sunday 14^th August 2011, India woke up to the news of the death of one of the most popular Indian cinema actors, the great Shamsher Raj Kapoor. Although ailing for a while, the news came as a big shock! However, it is amazing to know how Shammi Kapoor, at the age of 79, managed to remain in high spirits till his last moments. 

Although a late 20^th Century product, I grew up admiring the sheer energy Shammiji displayed, on as well as, off screen. A regular follower of Shammiji on Twitter, I would often look forward to his tweets. His love for technology was simply amazing. His childlike enthusiasm when making sure to reply to the innumerable tweets he received daily was simply commendable.    

Who could help but fall in love with the beautiful locations Shammiji took us to through his films? My excitement to visit Kashmir only grew after watching Kashmir Ki Kali. I made sure my parents took me to all the places in Srinagar where the film was shot, as well as don traditional Kashmiri clothes. The icing on the cake for me came in October 2010, when I had the opportunity to meet the leading lady of the film, the beautiful Sharmila Tagore. It was wonderful to hear her speak at length about her first co-star of Hindi films. I have to admit, I watched the movie An Evening in Paris the very next day. I am sure everyone will agree when I say, hanging out of a helicopter in a dressing gown never looked as charming. Even the indifferent Deepa could not help but give in to Shyam’s charisma.  

Remembering Shammi Kapoor, without mentioning the person who made his moves on screen so melodious, is impossible. The exceptional pair of Mohammed Rafi and Shammi Kapoor still manages to rule our hearts. One cannot help but remember Rafi Sahab when watching Shammi Kapoor groove on screen or vice versa. The admiration was mutual. In fact the legendary actor once said, "I am incomplete without Mohammed Rafi. I used to often go for the recoding of my song, which was sung by Mohammed Rafi, only because I used to like telling him how I would perform on this song on screen so that he can sing it that way. Even he liked my involvement". The hugely popular (and my favourite) song, Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein, is a classic example of the camaraderie the two shared.  

My tribute to Shammiji would be incomplete without citing the largely underrated film, Manoranjan. Shammi Kapoor’s take on the classic, Irma la Douce, was much discussed. His portrayal of Dhoop Chhaon was particularly delightful.  Who can forget his oft repeated line in the film, “uska kissa phir kabhi”?   

As the world comes to terms with such a big loss, all I would like to say is Tarif Karun Kya Uski Jinse Tumhe Banaya…