Rishi wishes Padma Bhushan for Shammi Kapoor too

Jan 26, 2011 Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, Jan 26 (IANS) Veteran Bollywood star Rishi Kapoor is ecstatic that his uncle Shashi Kapoor has been named for the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian award, but says he would have been happier to see Shammi Kapoor's name in the list as well.

"It would have given me even more pleasure to see both my uncles Shammi and Shashi Kapoor receiving the honour. Certainly Shammi Kapoor's contribution to Indian cinema cannot be overlooked," Rishi told IANS.

Both Shashi and Shammi have been great entertainers of their times and had their unique styles on screen.

Nevertheless, the 58-year-old says his family has a big reason to celebrate as they have received a government honour after several years.

"Chalo khairiyat hai Kapoors ko government ne recognise kiya (Thank god the government recognised the Kapoors). Believe it or not no Kapoor has such a national or government-level award in the last few decades," he said.

Rishi's grandfather, legendary actor Prithviraj Kapoor was awarded the Padma Bhushan way back in 1969, after which his father Raj Kapoor received the honour in 1971.

"This is the first time since then that the government has recognised the presence of the Kapoors in the entertainment industry. What a feeling, all the senior Kapoors, my grandfather Prithiviraj, my father Raj and now Shashi Kapoor are Padma Bhushans!" said Rishi.

Shashi, 72, was recently admitted to hospital due to health problems, but he is back home and gradually recovering, says Rishi.

"Yes, he's home. But he's not too well. There are health complications. He is being looked after. We all are very proud of the honour and we would like to be with him in Delhi when the President gives him the Padma Bhushan."

Shashi featured in movies like "Jab Jab Phool Khile", "Waqt", "Silsila", "Deewar", "Kabhi Kabhie" and "Satyam Shivam Sundaram".

He also featured in international projects titled "The Householder", "Shakespearewallah" and "Heat and Dust" during his more than six-decade-long career.