Mumbai, February 28: For the first time in the history of Filmfare Awards, the ceremony started with the announcement of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Shabana Azmi and Yash Chopra presented the award to veteran actor Shashi Kapoor.
Shabana Azmi who worked with Kapoor in films like Junoon and Muhafiz was in absolute praise of the actor. Shashi Kapoor simply said a ‘thank you’ as against the prolonged speech that a Lifetime Achievement Award usually invites.
One of the finest actors of the Indian film industry and a part of the Kapoor clan, Shashi Kapoor is hugely responsible for changing the face of cinema. Son of legendary actor Prithvi Raj Kapoor and younger brother of Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor,Shashi Kapoor debuted as a child actor in mid-40s and graduated to lead roles in 60s.
His remarkable performances include films like Deewaar, Chor Machaye Shor, Silsila, Kabhie Kabhie, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Trishul, Suhaag to name a few. Along with commercial success he is remembered for his groundbreaking contribution as an actor and producer to the parallel cinema movement that started in India in the late 70s. Among them his best films include Junoon, Kalyug , 36 Chowringhee Lane, Vijeta and Utsav . Incidentally, these films were also produced by him. He was also a part of international projects like Shakespeare Wallah, Siddhartha and Side Streets . He directed Amitabh Bachchan in the fantasy film Ajooba.
Music composer Khayyam was also presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Asha Bhosle presented the trophy to Khayyam Saab. Recalling his fond memories Khayyam saab said, “I started my career as an assistant music director with B R Chopra at the salary of Rs. 125. So I dedicate all this success to him.” He also added, “ Agar Umrao Jaan mein Rekha na hoti, ya Ashaji ki aawaz na hoti , it wouldn’t have been possible for us to create the magic.” To this Asha Bhosle reverted saying, “I credit my ghazal singing and Urdu to Khayyam saab ”.
Mohammed Zahoor Khayyam Hashmi, popularly known as Khayyam, has left legacy of some of the most beautiful music the Indian film industry has ever heard. The musical genius has been giving one hit after another since the late 40’s. He was a firm believer of quality over quantity as he chose to do only one film every year. He is most remembered for his mesmerizing tunes in Kabhi Kabhie, Umrao Jaan and Razia Sultan . He has also been associated in mega-serials including The Great Maratha, Dard and Jai Hanuman and many non-film albums
——-Agencies