'Just look at the weather outside. Even nature is mourning his passing'

Nadira Zaheer Babbar remembers the warm personality Shashi Kapoor, the man who founded Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai

We had watched Shashiji in films since our younger days. He was so handsome that girls used to adore him. A truly respected name within the industry, he had an illustrious background, and his wife Jennifer [Kendal], who came from a family of renowned theatre artistes, was a gifted and sagacious individual, too. Some may mind my use of the word, but the biggest favour that Shashiji has done to Hindi theatre is by founding the Prithvi Theatre. When his father was no more and he inherited the space, he could have built something that would earn him crores.

 
Nadira Zaheer Babbar

But he and his wife chose to create this space, which came with a massive responsibility because running a theatreâÂÂu00c2u0080ÂÂu00c2u0088is no mean feat. They dedicated their lives to it and their daughter Sanjna carried forward the legacy. Their children are a beautiful reflection of their values. Until, a few years ago, Shashi ji would come to watch plays at Prithvi and meet the actors after the show.

If he liked what he watched, he would send a cake and a hand-written letter to the artiste the next morning. Of course, as his visits became rarer, his presence was sorely missed at the venue he nurtured with all his passion, putting monetary concerns aside. Ek Shashi Kapoor the. Just look at the weather outside. Even nature is mourning his passing.

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