Actor Shashi Kapoor to get Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Veteran actor Shashi Kapoor will receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2014, the government announced on Monday, becoming the third in his family to receive the country’s highest honour in Indian cinema. Kapoor, 77, is known for his myriad roles in both mainstream and experimental cinema in India and in several international projects, most notably for his collaboration with Ismail Merchant and James Ivory, who directed him in films like “The Householder” and “Heat and Dust”. Kapoor, one of the Hindi film industry’s three Kapoor brothers (the other two being Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor), is part of what is known as Bollywood’s first family. “Congrats to Cinema Legend Shashi Kapoor for Dada Saheb Phalke Award. His sensitive portrayal of human emotions has touched many a heart !,” Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, tweeted. Kapoor also set up Mumbai’s iconic Prithvi Theatre that is synonymous with experimental and avant-garde theatre. His daughter Sanjana now runs the venue. Kapoor’s easy charm and intense demeanour made him an instant hit with audiences in the 60s and 70s. He acted in blockbusters like “Deewaar” and “Kabhie Kabhie” alongside Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan. Kapoor is also a three-time winner at the National Film Awards.