Shekhar Kulbhushan Kapur is considered as one of the few filmmakers in the history of Indian cinema who dared to change the way films used to be made in this country. Not everyone knows that Shekhar Kapur is the recipient of prestigious global awards, including the BAFTA Award, the National Film Award, the National Board of Review Award, and a nomination for the Golden Globe Award. Despite having grown up in a non-filmy household, how Shekhar Kapur made his mark in Indian cinema and took it to the world is simply astonishing.
The iconic director, Shekhar Kapur was working as a chartered accountant in London when his passion for cinema motivated him to move to India, and he started working with his mama, Dev Anand. Yes! You read it right. Shekhar Kapur is the nephew of legendary Indian actor, Dev Anand. While Shekhar's parents were against his decision to leave his promising job in London to try his luck in cinema, it was Dev Anand and his brother, Vijay Anand, who backed Shekhar's decision. For the uninitiated, Shekhar Kapur's mother, Sheel Kanta Kapur is the real sister of Dev Anand and Vijay Anand.
Shekhar Kapur made his acting debut in his mama, Dev Anand's 1974 film, Ishq Ishq Ishq. However, he rose to fame with his impressive acting in the 1975 film, Jaan Haazir Hai, directed by his mama, Vijay Anand. After working as an actor in a series of films, Shekhar Kapur broke the headlines with his directorial debut in 1983 with the film, Masoom. The film had a stellar cast featuring Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Supriya Pathak, Jugal Hasraj, Urmila Matondkar, Tanuja, and many more.
Shekhar Kapur's debut film, Masoom, is often regarded as one of the best films ever made in the history of Indian cinema. The film is an adaptation of the famous novel, Man, Woman and Child, written by Erich Segal. After the tremendous success of Masoom, Balu Mahendra also adapted the novel and made a Malayalam film, Olangal. Shekhar Kapur's Masoom won eight awards at the 31st Filmfare Awards. From Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Lyricist to Best Film (Critics) and Best Female Playback Singer, Masoom was hands-down the best film of 1983.
Even after so many years, Masoom holds a special place in Shekhar Kapur's heart, as it was his first film and the kind of reception it received upon its release. However, there's another reason why Masoom gets a special mention in Shekhar Kapur's life. The reason behind it is his unfinished love story with Shabana Azmi, which started on Masoom's sets. For the uninitiated, Shekhar Kapur and Shabana Azmi fell in love with each other while filming Masoom. Even before working together in Masoom, Shabana and Shekhar knew each other and were close friends.
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At the beginning of their love story, many gossip columns reported that their relationship wouldn't last long, and some speculated that it was a promotional gimmick for their film, Masoom. However, defying the odds, Shekhar Kapur and Shabana Azmi dated each other for the next seven years. During their seven-year-long relationship, Shabana and Shekhar were focused on their respective careers and never let their relationship overshadow their filmography. However, some gossip columns reported that Shabana and Shekhar were also in a live-in relationship.
Although none of them ever addressed these rumours, reports were rife that Shekhar Kapur and Shabana Azmi experienced a series of differences while living together. If the reports are to be believed, after living together for some time, Shekhar and Shabana parted ways after facing a series of irreconciable issues in their relationship. Despite their multiple efforts, Shabana and Shekhar couldn't save their falling relationship, and unfortunately, the two parted ways after seven years of togetherness.
After breaking ties with Shabana Azmi, Shekhar Kapur got married to Medha Gujral, but the two parted ways in 1994. After this, Shekhar fell in love with Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa actress, Suchitra Krishnamoorthi, and the couple tied the knot in 1999. They even welcomed a daughter, Kaveri Kapur. However, Shekhar and Suchitra parted ways in 2007. On the flip side, Shabana Azmi is leading a steady married life with iconic lyricist, Javed Akhtar, who was previously married to Honey Irani.
What are your thoughts on Shekhar Kapur and Shabana Azmi's lesser-known relationship? Let us know.
Also Read: Nadira's Story: The OG Vamp, Raj Kapoor's Call, First Actor To Own A Rolls Royce, Never Got Married
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