One of the most accomplished filmmakers of his generation, Shekhar Kapur is not only a director; he is a visionary who is known for films like “Masoom,” “Mr. India,” “Bandit Queen,” and the Oscar-winning “Elizabeth” and “Elizabeth: The Golden Age.”
In this universe, and this existence, where we live with this duality of whether we exist or not and who are we, the stories we tell ourselves are the stories that define the potentialities of our existence. We are the stories we tell ourselves.
Shekhar Kapur
Early Life
Shekhar Kapur was born Shekhar Kulbhushan Kapur on December 6, 1945, in Lahore into a Punjabi family. His father, Kulbhushan Kapur, was a doctor, and his mother, Sheel Kanta Kapur, was the sister of famous Indian actors Dev Anand, Chetan Anand, and Vijay Anand. Growing up in a family with strong ties to the film industry, Kapur was exposed to the world of cinema from a young age. However, his father discouraged him from pursuing a career in films, leading him to study economics at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and later become a chartered accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Despite his successful career as an accountant and management consultant in the United Kingdom, Kapur’s passion for cinema remained undiminished. He eventually decided to follow his heart and returned to India to pursue a career in filmmaking.
Cinamatic Journey
Kapur’s entry into the film industry was marked by his acting debut in the 1974 film “Ishq Ishq Ishq,” directed by his uncle Dev Anand. He continued to act in several films, including Jaan Hazir Hai (1975), Toote Khilone (1978), Jeena Yahan (1979), Agni Pareeksha (1981), Bindiya Chamkegi (1984), Falak (1988), and Gawaahi (1989). However, it was his directorial debut with the film “Masoom” (1983) that established him as a talented filmmaker.
“Masoom,” a poignant drama exploring the impact of infidelity on a family, received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and powerful performances. The film, starring Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, and Jugal Hansraj, was a commercial success and earned Kapur widespread recognition as a director.
Kapur collaborated with Javed Akhtar for his next directorial venture, “Mr. India (1987).” The iconic film further solidified his reputation as a visionary filmmaker. The film, a science fiction superhero story starring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi, became a cult classic. The film is an example of how to make a pure comercial entertainer. Celebrated for its imaginative storytelling, memorable characters, and timeless songs, the film is still immensly popular.
Shekhar Kapur The Genius
Kapur gained international recognition with his 1994 film “Bandit Queen,” a biographical drama based on the life of Phoolan Devi, a legendary bandit and politician. The film premiered in the Directors’ Fortnight section of the 1994 Cannes Film Festival. It was widely praised for its raw and powerful portrayal of Phoolan’s tumultuous life. “Bandit Queen” earned Kapur several accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
Kapur’s success continued with the 1998 period film “Elizabeth,” a fictional account of the early years of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign. The film is a spectecal of visual grandeur and compelling storytelling. Starring Cate Blanchett in the titular role, it gets seven Academy Awards nomination. It also won the BAFTA Award for Best British Film. Kapur gets immense crtical acclaim for his direction and vision.
In 2002 he came up with an adaptation of A.E.W. Mason’s novel of the same name; the war drama “The Four Feathers (2002)” explores themes of courage and self-discovery. The film starred Heath Ledger, Wes Bentley, Djimon Hounsou, and Kate Hudson. It was set against the backdrop of the British Army’s Nile Expedition in Sudan.
He directed the sequel of “Elizabeth,” in 2007, which focuses on the latter part of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign. Cate Blanchett reprised her role as the titular queen in “Elizabeth: The Golden Age,” earning another Academy Award nomination for her performance.
Continuing Success
In 2022 he directed “What’s Love Got to Do with It?,” a romantic comedy starring Lily James, Shazad Latif, Shabana Azmi, Emma Thompson, and Sajal Ali that showcases Kapur’s directorial versatility across genres, offering a modern perspective on love.
Apart from direction, he also produced films like Dil Se… (1998), The Guru (2002), and Bollywood: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told (2011).
Besides direction, he continues to act in a few selective films. One of his most memorable films is Govind Nihalani‘s critically acclaimed Drishti (1990). The film also stars Dimple Kapadia, Mita Vasisht, and Irrfan Khan. Over the years he acted in films like Nazar (1991), Saatwan Aasman (1992), Vishwaroopam (2013), Ishkq in Paris (2013), Teraa Surroor (2016), and Vishwaroopam II (2018).
He also acted in TV shows like Khandaan (1985), Mahanagar (1988), Udaan (1989-1991), Pradhanmantri (2013-2014, 2020), and OK Computer (2021).
He also gave voice to the audiobook “The Story of My Experiments with Truth,” alongside Nandita Das.
Shelved Projects of Shekhar Kapur
Apart from the film he directed, Shekhar Kapur is also famous for the films he left midway. He left many famous films like Joshilaay (1989), Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (1992), Prem (1995), Barsaat (1995), and Dushmani (1995). Kapur also left many other projects after the initial planning. He planned a film with Shahrukh Khan, Sunil Shetty and Naseeruddin Shah. The film can’t progressed byound the writing stage. He also planne a time travel story, “Time Machine,” with Aamir Khan, Raveena Tandon, Naseeruddin Shah, and Rekha. Kapur was very keen on making a film “Buddha,” which never saw the light of day. He famously announced “Ta Ra Rum Pum,” with Priety Zinta, which never made. Some other films he planned include “Solace,” with Bruce Willis; and “The Nine o’Clock War,” with Heath Ledger; among others.
He started working on his dream project, “Paani,” after Bandit Queen. The film delayed several times. The project had changes of script, producers, and also actors throughout its history. Sushant Singh Rajput famously signed the film and was preparing for it from a long time. But the filming never started, and finally the film got shelved.
When I go out to direct a film, every day we prepare too much, we think too much. Knowledge becomes a weight upon wisdom. You know, simple words lost in the quicksand of experience.
Shekhar Kapur
Personal Life and Legacy
Shekhar Kapur first married Medha Gujral, the niece of former Indian Prime Minister I.K. Gujral in 1984. They separated in 1994. He later married actress and singer Suchitra Krishnamoorthi in 1999. The couple had a daughter named Kaveri. However, differences crept up and their marriage ended in divorce in 2007.
Kapur’s family includes several prominent figures in the Indian film industry. His uncles, Dev Anand, Chetan Anand, and Vijay Anand, were all celebrated actors and filmmakers. His sister, Neelu, was the first wife of actor Navin Nischol. Her other sister, Aruna, is married to actor Parikshit Sahni. Kapur’s youngest sister, Sohaila Kapur, is also an actress and writer.
Shekhar Kapur’s legacy in Indian and global cinema reflects his extraordinary ability to understand the emotion behind the story and his extraordinary cinematic vision. Renowned for his diverse filmmaking style, which on one hand can be as raw as “Bandit Queen” and at the same time can be as grand as “Elizabeth.” With exceptional emotional depth and visual grandeur, his films are known to take you on a roller coaster ride.
Shekhar Kapur on IMDB
