Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali recently recalled his experience of working with legendary actor Shammi Kapoor in his 2011 film Rockstar, starring Ranbir Kapoor. The veteran actor, who played a revered musician in the film, was in immense pain during the shoot but remained committed to his role. Tragically, he passed away before the film’s theatrical release on November 11, 2011.
Speaking to Filme Shilmy, Imtiaz shared how difficult it was for Shammi Kapoor to even be on set. “I knew the kind of pain Shammi ji was going through to come to set and perform each scene. He was going through a lot of pain, and he was… I don’t want to get into how painful it was for him to actually exist at that point in time. And it is his blessing that he was in the film and he gave it everything.”
The director also recounted an emotional moment on set when he had to ask Shammi Kapoor for a retake. “I knew he was just coming from the hospital, and he was in so much pain. But the shot was not okay for me as a director because there was pain on his face, which was not supposed to be there. I went and told him.”

Despite his condition, Shammi Kapoor displayed immense professionalism. Imtiaz continued, “I went and told him, ‘Shammiji, this is a very good take, but there is pain on your face. I can go with this take…’ He just looked down and said, ‘Okay, let’s do one more.’ And then he just gave himself 30 seconds to take the pain out of his face and took the shot.”

Shammi Kapoor passed away on August 14, 2011, due to kidney disease, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in Indian cinema.