Shashi Kapoor dead: Bollywood acting legend dies aged 79

The actor passed away in hospital after prolonged illness

Veteran Bollywood actor Shashi Kapoor has died aged 79.

Star of huge hits like Deewar, In Custody, and Junoon, the actor was a member of the Kapoor dynasty, which has been a dominating force in the Hindi film industry for decades. The youngest son of Prithviraj, a pioneer in film and theatre, both he and his brothers Raj and Shammi Kapoor became renowned as actors.

Shashi Kapoor made a name for himself both on stage and on film, starting his career as a child and eventually starring in more than 150 films; he won several national film awards and was awarded the Padma Bhushan civilian honour by the Indian government in 2011.

He also appeared in several English-language films, including several Merchant Ivory productions, such as The Householder, Shakespeare Wallah, Bombay Talkie, and Heat and Dust.

Kapoor passed away in hospital after prolonged illness. His nephew, actor Randhir Kapoor, told news agency PTI that Kapoor had been suffering from kidney problems and had been undergoing dialysis. "Yes, he has passed away. He had kidney problems since several years. He was on dialysis for several years," Randhir said.

The actor was married to actress Jennifer Kendal, who died in 1984, and is survived by his sons Karan and Kunal, alongside daughter Sanjana.

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