Published By: Sayan Paul

Shashi Kapoor's Birth Anniversary: He & Amitabh Bachchan - The Powerhouse Pair That Took Bollywood By Storm

Shashi Kapoor's carefree charm and Amitabh Bachchan's intense angry young man image made for a blockbuster combination! 

Hindi cinema has given us several iconic male duos over the years. If we just talk about recent times, we have Salman Khan - Govinda, Akshay Kumar - John Abraham, Ranbir Kapoor - Vicky Kaushal, Rajkummar Rao - Pankaj Tripathi, or Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff among others. But even with all these powerful combinations, the magic that Shashi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan created - in more than 15 films - remains unmatched. Yes, that's even more iconic than the Bachchan - Dharmendra duo, our favorite Jay and Veeru. The primary reason, I think, was their starkly different personalities. Kapoor brought effortless charm and lightheartedness on the screen, while Bachchan was all fire, intensity, and brooding anger. 

Now, with such dynamic duos, fans often debate who was better in the film, or precisely who "stole the show". But in Kapoor and Bachchan's case, that argument never really held ground. Neither tried to overshadow the other because they understood that acting isn’t about winning (it's not wrestling) - it’s about creating something great together. In each of their films, they complemented each other, making every scene - in Martin Scorsese's words - "absolute cinema".

 

(Credit: amitabhbachchan)

It's Shashi Kapoor's 87th birth anniversary. On this occasion, let's revisit some of his best works with Bachchan. 

Deewaar (1975)

At the forefront is 'Deewaar', a film that has etched its place in Hindi cinema's history. Directed by Yash Chopra, this intense drama portrays Kapoor and Bachchan as brothers on opposing sides of the law - Kapoor as the righteous police officer and Bachchan as the underworld figure. Their contrasting personas culminate in the unforgettable exchange:

Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan): "Aaj mere paas buildingein hain, property hai, bank balance hai, bangla hai, gaadi hai... Kya hai tumhare paas?"

Ravi (Shashi Kapoor): "Mere paas Maa hai."

This dialogue became incredibly popular at that time and went on to become a cornerstone of Indian pop culture. Critics have lauded their performances, noting that the film's success was significantly bolstered by their dynamic interplay. The tension and emotional depth they brought to their roles made 'Deewaar' a compelling watch, with their chemistry driving the narrative forward. 

(Credit: Amitabh Bachchan)

Kabhi Kabhie (1976)

'Kabhi Kabhie' is a multi-generational romantic drama that delves into the complexities of love and relationships. Kapoor plays Vijay Khanna, a suave and sophisticated man, while Bachchan portrays Amit Malhotra, a poet with intense emotions. Their contrasting characters add depth to the narrative, with Kapoor's composed demeanor balancing Bachchan's passionate presence. Critics have praised their camaraderie, highlighting how their performances added layers to the film's exploration of love and destiny. Their ability to convey emotions with subtlety made their on-screen relationship both believable and engaging. 

(Credit: Moses Sapir)

Trishul (1978)

In 'Trishul', Kapoor and Bachchan's chemistry reaches even greater heights. The film features Kapoor as Shekhar Kumar Gupta and Bachchan as Vijay Kumar, characters whose paths intertwine amidst familial and corporate conflicts. Their performances are a masterclass in acting, with Kapoor's elegance complementing Bachchan's intensity. Their camaraderie makes the power dynamics and emotional stakes in the film more palpable. And their ability to play off each other's strengths results in a nuanced portrayal of brotherhood and rivalry. 

(Credit: Bollywoodirect)

The collaboration between Shashi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan is a golden chapter in Bollywood's history. Besides the above-mentioned films, the list also includes 'Immaan Dharam', 'Suhaag' 'Kaala Patthar', 'Shaan', 'Do Aur Do Paanch', 'Silsila', and 'Namak Halaal'.