From the 1960s to the 1970s, Shammi Kapoor ruled the film industry with his charming looks and talent. The actor started his career with the 1953 release Jeevan Jyoti, which failed at the box-office but later after struggling for almost 4 years it was his film Tumsa Nahin Dekha which turned his career graph. The actor became an overnight sensation and garnered a lot of fan following. But his success didn't stop there, it was just a beginning. Later Shammi Kapoor proved that he is here to stay with blockbusters like Dil Deke Dekho, Singapore, Junglee, College Girl, Professor, China Town, Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya.
With the success of Junglee in 1961, an entire decade reeled under its colourful impact. Shammi heralded the swinging 60s and a large part of his appeal was primarily due to the immensely catchy and upbeat numbers like Suku Suku, O Haseena Zulfo Wali, Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche, Aaja Aaja Main hoon Pyar Tera where he was at his boisterous best.
Even though success came with light weight tales like Kashmir Ki Kali, Rajkumar, Jaanwar and An Evening In Paris, his performances in flicks like Junglee, Badtameez, Bluff Master and Pagla Kahin Ka, Teesri Manzil, Brahmachari silenced his critics.
He was often paired opposite young starlets and quite a few of them went on to become seasoned performers in their career. Saira Banu, Asha Parekh and Sharmila Tagore are just a few to name.
Andaz released in 1971 was his last movie as a leading man. By the early 70's he started gaining weight which curtailed his career as the lead hero but still he gave some meaningful performances later in his career as character actor most notably in Vidhata, Hero and Prem Rog.
He won the Filmfare award for Best Actor in 1968 for Brahmachari and in 1995 the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement award was bestowed upon him. Shammi Kapoor was also one of the foremost Internet users in India. He was the founder and chairman of Internet Users Community of India (IUCI) and had been instrumental in setting up Internet organizations like the Ethical Hackers Association.