Bollywood icon Shashi Kapoor -- a star of 1970s Indian cinema and a member of the Hindi film industry's famous Kapoor family -- died on Monday aged 79 after a long illness, his family said.
The multiple award-winning actor died at a hospital in Mumbai on Monday evening, his nephew Randhir Kapoor told the Press Trust of India news agency. Another family member confirmed the death to AFP.
“Yes, he has passed away. He had kidney problem for several years,” Kapoor told PTI, adding that the funeral would be held on Tuesday.
Shashi -- the youngest son of Prithviraj Kapoor, a pioneer of Hindi film and theatre -- appeared in more than 150 films, winning over fans with his charm and suave good looks.
His most memorable roles were in such films as “Jab Jab Phool Khile” (Whenever The Flowers Bloom, 1965), “Kabhi Kabhie” (Sometimes, 1976), and “Kalyug” (Age of Downfall, 1981).
He was also adored for his role opposite Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan in the hit movie “Deewaar” (The Wall, 1975) in which he delivered one of Hindi cinema's most famous lines -- 'Mere paas maa hai' (I have a mother).
Tributes poured in from the world of Indian cinema and politics following news of Kapoor's death.
“Shashi uncle was not only a great star and a passionate filmmaker, but also a wonderful human being. His work has always given Indian audiences great joy,” Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan said in a statement posted on Twitter. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he was “saddened” by Kapoor's death. “His brilliant acting will be remembered by generations to come”,” wrote Modi.