On March 18th, film enthusiasts around the world shall gather to commemorate the remarkable journey of a cherished Bollywood icon: Shashi Kapoor. As his birth anniversary unfolds, Tata Play Classic Cinema invites viewers to dive into the profound legacy of a man who swept a nation off its feet with his exceptional talent, charm, and versatility on the silver screen.
Delight in a carefully curated parade of Shashi Kapoor’s most memorable films, as Tata Play Classic Cinema orchestrates a movie marathon that guarantees to kindle nostalgia and admiration for the luminary who has left an indelible mark on India’s cinematic history. Audiences are encouraged to grab a snack, dim their living room lights, and immerse themselves in the splendor that is Shashi Kapoor’s filmography.
Speaking of splendor, “Naina” takes the prime morning slot at 10:00 AM. This 1973 Bollywood classic, directed by Kanak Mishra and scribed by Kaifi Azmi, invites audiences into a labyrinth of suspicion, envy, and heartfelt emotion, reminiscent of Daphne du Maurier’s “Rebecca”. In an aristocratic setting, Shashi Kapoor shines as a morally complex nobleman, while Moushumi Chatterjee portrays his compelling second wife. The film’s enchanting soundtrack, a creation of musical maestros Shankar-Jaikishan, includes the captivating song “Hone Lagi Hai Raat Jawan” by the evergreen Asha Bhosle. The soundtrack’s success is further bolstered by Mohammad Rafi’s touching song “Humko To Jaan Se Pyari Hai,” propelling “Naina” to a masterpiece status replete with inherent drama and serenades.
The afternoon heats up with “Kala Paani” at 2:00 PM, a high-stakes drama packed with action and suspense. Directed by Shibu Mitra and produced by B. Gupta, the 1980 film ropes in a stellar cast including Neetu Singh, Bindu, and the legendary Amjad Khan alongside Kapoor. Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s musical score deepens the film’s intense narrative, heralding an edge-of-the-seat experience for its viewers.
Later, as the clock strikes 05:00 PM, “Chori Mera Kaam” brings a burst of laughter and mischief to the screen. This witty 1975 comedy directed by Brij Sadanah captures the outlandish escapades of a colorful ensemble led by Shashi Kapoor, the venerable Ashok Kumar, and the glamorous Zeenat Aman. The hilarious narrative, punctuated by Kalyanji-Anandji’s peppy tunes, awards the audience an uproarious journey. Deven Verma’s performance, which clinched him the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian, adds a heartily welcomed dose of amusement to the mix.
The evening culminates with the 1962 romantic drama “Prem Patra” scheduled at 8:00 PM. Under the guidance of the fabled Bimal Roy, this film casts Shashi Kapoor opposite Sadhana, as they navigate love and its poignant complexities. Inspired by the Bengali film “Sagarika,” “Prem Patra” is adorned with the haunting compositions of Salil Chaudhary. The film unfolds an evocative love story, with performances that evoke the beauty and profound endurance of romantic bonds.
Tune in to Tata Play Classic Cinema on this special day to relive the quintessence of an era when films were not just entertainments but experiences that transcended ordinary life. Let each scene, each performance by Shashi Kapoor, whisk you away to a bygone period—a time of purity, charisma, and cinematic allure. Do not miss the chance to celebrate the artistry and the spirit of a bona fide star, Shashi Kapoor, on his birth anniversary.
