193. TALKING TO SHASHI KAPOOR

Shashi Kapoor, Bollywood Legend

Shashi Kapoor calls the next day and shares his entire life story: where he was born, raised, schooled, lived and worked. This is followed by his declaration of being very fit and health conscious. I manage to tell him that I work out mainly so I can eat out. As we talk I find myself tuning in and out of the conversation, thinking about his namesake. The original Shashi Kapoor (see photo to the right) was a member of the Kapoor clan, a mighty Bollywood dynasty dominating the film industry long before India gained independence.

Prithviraj Kapoor’s three sons, Raj, Shammi and Shashi, were the gods of black and white cinema ‘back in the day’. Their sons Randhir and Rishi joined the family Bolly business in the 80s and now Prithviraj’s great-granddaughters Karishma and Kareena shake and shimmy across the big screen with hunky heroes like Shahrukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan. From reading the filmi magazines I have learned that Kareena rivals Lindsay Lohan with her out of control antics. And every time I visit India it seems that when Delhites aren’t watching movies or staging political riots, they are glued to the telly praying India destroys Pakistan in a 10-hour cricket match. Leaving me to believe the three religions of India are: Bollywood, politics and cricket.

Shashi Kapoor is talking and asks, “Do you like tea?” Focus! I’m still on the phone. “Yes, it’s fine. But I prefer coffee,” I reply. “I don’t drink coffee. Or alcohol that much,” Shashi Kapoor shares. I swear, if he bashes Diet Coke this is SO OVER. I will TOTALLY hang up on him. “What kind of tea? Darjeeling?” I ask. “Oh no, green. And no milk, I’m staying away from dairy. I’m trying to be vegan,” Shashi Kapoor explains.

Amitabh Bachchan

Ugh. I am at a loss. We’re Punjabi. We were put on the planet to eat, drink and be merry, while wearing blindingly-bright bling. So I return my thoughts to Bollywood and the amazing Amitabh Bachchan. This man is a modern day desi Zeus. He wins Filmfare Awards, was elected to Parliament, hosted a game show and from Hondas to helicopters, and can sell anything. The paparazzi stalk him like he’s the son of God and I’ll bet his security detail is tighter than the Prime Minister Singh’s. I swear Amitabh could promote beef patties and vegetarians would buy it. Well, maybe not, but almost.

“Can we meet some time?” Shashi Kapoor asks. Why do I keep tuning him out? “Sure, sounds great. When?” I ask and wonder if he’s interested because I seem aloof, wrapped in Bollywood thoughts. Maybe I should always busy my brain when on the phone with desi men as a means of capturing their attention. “How about lunch tomorrow?” Shashi asks. “Sorry, I have yoga. What about the evening?” I suggest. “No, I have a poetry reading. Did I tell you I’m a poet?” Lordy. I can see it now. SPOTTED: DESI GIRL AND SHASHI KAPOOR CANOODLING OVER GREEN TEA, CARROT STICKS AND POE. “What about next Saturday?” Shashi Kapoor asks. “Perfect,” I reply.

I have seven days to banish all thoughts of Bollywood legends from my head!