Shashi Kapoor (born Balbir Raj Kapoor; 18 March 1938 – 4 December 2017) was an eminent Indian actor and producer whose contributions to Hindi cinema secured his place among its most influential figures. Over a career spanning five decades, he earned four National Film Awards and two Filmfare Awards, and was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2011 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2014 for his enduring impact on Indian film. Born in Calcutta to theatre legend Prithviraj Kapoor, he was the youngest of the celebrated Kapoor brothers—Raj and Shammi—whose artistic legacy shaped the course of Indian performing arts. Kapoor's initiation into acting came early as he travelled with Prithvi Theatres, performing in plays directed and produced by his father. As a child artiste, working under the name “Shashiraj,” he appeared in notable films such as Aag (1948), Sangram (1950), Awaara (1951), and Dana Paani (1953), often portraying younger versions of leading men. Kapoor made his debut as an adult in 1961 with Yash Chopra's Dharmputra (1961), followed by Char Diwari (1961) the same year. While neither film achieved commercial success, his career soon gathered momentum. Minor hits such as Prem Patra (1962) and Yeh Dil Kisko Doon (1963) preceded his English-language debut in James Ivory's acclaimed The Householder (1963). His breakthrough arrived in 1965 with the blockbusters Waqt and Jab Jab Phool Khile, establishing him as a bankable star. The late 1960s and early 1970s brought steady success, culminating in 1974 with Chor Machaye Shor, which decisively elevated his box-office stature. Kapoor went on to headline several major hits, including Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974), Deewaar (1975) , Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Trishul (1978), Suhaag (1979), and Namak Halaal (1982). His celebrated on-screen partnership with Amitabh Bachchan became one of the era's defining cinematic pairings. Parallel to his mainstream success, Kapoor championed art-house cinema as both actor and producer. His productions—Shyam Benegal's Junoon (1979), Aparna Sen's 36 Chowringhee Lane (1981), Kalyug (1981), Vijeta (1982), and Girish Karnad's Utsav (1984)—earned critical acclaim, national honours, and enduring cultural relevance. His performance in New Delhi Times (1986) won him the National Award for Best Actor. Kapoor retired from acting after Jinnah (1998) and Side Streets (1998), though he remained a revered presence in public memory. Celebrated at festivals and award ceremonies in his later years, he remained an enduring symbol of cinematic elegance, versatility, and artistic courage until his passing in 2017.