SRINAGAR: Bollywood actor Shammi Kapoor, celebrated for his magnetic screen presence, left an indelible mark on the region of Kashmir with his generosity and charm, according to director Rahul Rawail. Known for shooting iconic films in the valley, Kapoor’s connection with Kashmir extended beyond the camera.
“Shammi ji had a special connection with Kashmir as he had shot for many films there, from Kashmir Ki Kali to Betaab. The locals were quite used to seeing him in their midst,” Rawail said as per a report in Indian Express.
During his peak, Kapoor would stay at the Oberoi Lake Palace Hotel in Srinagar, where he often exhibited his royal demeanour. Recalling his acts of kindness, Rawail said, “When Shammi ji would check out of the hotel, the staff would gather in the corridor to bid him farewell. Accompanied by two aides carrying sacks of cash, he would dip his hands into the sack and hand out fistfuls of money to the staff. This was his royal nature.”
The actor’s generosity extended to the entire valley. Shikara owners and shopkeepers frequently enquired about him whenever a film crew visited. “Wherever he went, Shammi ji carried the same regal attitude,” added Rawail.
Kapoor’s love affair with Kashmir began with the 1964 hit Kashmir Ki Kali, which cemented his status as a beloved figure among the locals. His relationship with the valley remained a cherished chapter of his illustrious career.
