Can you imagine the dapper Dev Anand singing Tumsa Nahin Dekha, or yelling Yahoo as he daringly sings Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe... or serenading the O Haseena Zulfonwali? All these films - Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957), Junglee (1961), and Teesri Manzil - were conceived for Dev saab but he rejected them for various reasons, thereby paving the way for a new star.
The name of this star was Shammi Kapoor, who stepped in to fill the breach and went on to create a new hero archetype and film genre of the pure entertainment musical romance.
After 18 successive flops and one average performance, he was ready to give up the Hindi film industry and become a tea plantation manager in Assam. However, a radical re-invention of his image, drawing on youth icons James Dean and Elvis Presley - though suitably indigenised - aided by Dev saab's triple reluctance, set him on the road to success.
A scion of the illustrious Kapoor family, films were an automatic choice for Shamsher Raj 'Shammi' Kapoor (1931-2011), who was born in Bombay on October 21.
However, he did not find his initial going in the film world easy - most of the heroines considered him a baccha, having already worked with either his father Prithviraj Kapoor or his elder brother, Raj Kapoor. Moreover, most filmmakers considered him a "clone" of his elder brother.
This story is from the December 28, 2024 edition of Ahmedabad Mirror.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 28, 2024 edition of Ahmedabad Mirror.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Denis Explains His 'No Phone' Policy
Dune director feels phones may act as disruptions to the creative process on set
A Tribute To The Dowager Countess
Third Downton Abbey movie to pay tribute to late Dame Maggie Smith
YODELLING & JIVING WITH SHAMMI
A look at how the versatile and jovial actor indigenised James Dean and Elvis Presley while dancing with the (Indian) Beatles into thousands of hearts
Junaid speaks the Khan trio
Actor contemplates on how father Aamir, as also Shah Rukh, Salman stay on top
YJHD theatrical re-release in Jan
Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor starrer released in 2013
THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING A HOLIDAY
Switching off from work can be difficult but taking a proper break is good for your health
Dulquer & Rana's bromance is lit!
Lucky Baskhar actor lauds the Baahubali star for chasing excellence over stardom in career
Coffee may protect against head & neck cancer
Tea and decaffeinated coffee could also have a positive impact on the body
Can aerobics help with weight loss?
Researchers say yes; advise doing aerobics for 150 minutes a week to reduce waist, burn fat
Balance the cortisol levels for better strength gains
If you are hitting the gym hard but not seeing those strength gains you are after, cortisol might be the sneaky culprit. Known as the 'stress hormone,' cortisol isn't all bad; your body needs it for energy and focus. But when it's constantly high, cortisol can start to break down muscle instead of building it.
