REMEMBERING SHAMMI KAPOOR

MAIN CHALI MAIN CHALI

The original rebel without a cause of Indian screen. Spontaneous like a wild fire, fun like an adorable buffoon, quicksilver expressions, blazing eyes, the James Dean puff, unmatched sense of rhythm and natural dancing ability, personal style and good looks to boot. He was a live wire, an icon and the most enjoyable and frolicsome face of Hindi movies. Most of his songs had the uncanny knack of transporting us to a better, livelier, happier world. His vibrance crackled on the screen and made movies such fun. Absolutely looooove this song.





EHSAAN TERA HOGA MUJH PAR

And whoever thought Shammi was all about jumping off trees and the slapstick has gotta watch this song. Can't remember anyone who has emoted better in a serious song. Shammi Kapoor definitely came across as someone most unselfconscious on screen, mirroring all kinds of emotions effortlessly. A complete artist, a life lived fully, truly, venerably.....





AAJ KAL TERE MERE PYAAR KE

And if you even want to sample what exactly is spontaneity, you have to watch this song to witness how two very spontaneous actors came together for this classic. The song oozes with subtle humour, playful rivalry, a refreshing irreverence, perfect synchronisation. Both these stars apparently did not need choreographers. With Shammi and Mumu you just had to turn the music on and they would dance like there was no tomorrow.






ISHARON ISHARON MEIN DIL LENE WALE

And yet at other times he could look deep, soulfully into a heroine's eyes and profess of undying love and togetherness, of un-defined oneness and sublime unison. I cannot forget a particular summer in Ahmedabad- it was a beautiful cantt with abandoned British Raj bungalows with their chimneys and wells and sloping roofs-my best friend Neeka and I would go for these long evening walks and had earmarked one such well in a haunted house as a wishing well. Every wednesday and friday we'd take a little detour from the tree lined roads, go to the wishing well-yes, two silly school girls were we at 16, child women, cherubic cool-and drop in coins and make an ardent wish. No don't get any ideas! We simply wished for our fav song in Chitrahaar that day. She wished for Shashi Kapoor and Rajesh Khanna and I wished for Dev Anand and Shammi Kapoor. I rememeber distinctly that we wanted to grow up fast primarily to meet someone who could sing looking into our eyes like this!!!;-))






AIYAIYYA SUKU SUKU

This song belongs to Helen in many ways, start as it does with a wonderful solo dance performance by her but can not imagine any other actor making a late entry into the song and yet outshine or at least match up to her. When he entered the frame, the frame lit up with energy and sparkle, he flirted with the camera, had no qualms about making an ass of himself at times-and that must come with absolute confidence in one's talent and ability. His nimble footed forays on the dance floor were backed by such natural expressions and an inherent goofiness that he was a total entertainer. As they say, some faces were born to be on screen. Shammi Kapoor was undoubtedly one such face.





SAR PAR TOPI LAL HAATH MEIN

Anybody who as ever failed at anything should draw an inspiration from Shammi as none of his initial films created any impact. The comparison with Raj Kapoor and a highly successful wife Geeta Bali could have worried some. But Shammi kept trying till he developed his own style in this movie and it was a resounding success!! He swept the audiences with his non conformist streak, his mannerisms and unprecedented song delivery.





AASMAAN SE AAYA FARISHTA

In those days when heroes were supposed to be suited booted, appropriately clad gentlemen-there are stories of some hairy actors who would refuse to wear half sleeved shirts! Shammi Kapoor emerged as the non conformist screaming 'yahoo' of hill tops, playing hopscotch in a blanket and hanging down helicopters in a bath robe. That he did all this with his more than gym chiselled size is incredible. But who else had the gall to be absolutely berserk in front of the camera and let his hair down like this? The result of his bold performances was a total chilled out feel to most of these movies and unwinding in the true sense of the word. Hope he is dancing in the clouds somewhere:-))






RAAT KE HUMSAFAR THAK KE GHAR


And yet when he wanted he could transform into this uber stylish and suave gentleman, wooing demure ladies like noone else. His teddy bear persona made the women feel petite and lady-like in his presence. His smouldering intense gaze could warm the coldest of hearts and his self assured manner could put them at ease. I think he carried a suit rather well and did justice to these phoren locales so well. Shammi Kapoor was so many personas rolled into a big gooey grizzly-bear like package. Sensitive, cool,warm, fool, prankster, dancer, mimic, jubilant junglee and caring brahmachari. Difficult to sum up the ouevre of his talent!!! They certainly don't make them like him anymore...