In a career spanning over five decades, this legendary Bollywood actor has appeared in more than 100 films, delivering unforgettable performances.
Born in Mumbai into the renowned Kapoor family of Bollywood, his birth name was Shamsher Raj Kapoor. The world also fondly remembers him as the “Elvis Presley of India.”
He is none other than the charming actor Shammi Kapoor, known for his lively on-screen persona. But behind the scenes, the story was very different!
This once high-spirited actor battled serious addictions to alcohol and cigarettes, reportedly drinking daily and smoking nearly 100 cigarettes a day.
Along with these habits, he became known for his fiery temper. Then, one man completely transformed his life, guiding him towards spirituality, simplicity and peace.
In 1974, Shammi Kapoor’s in-laws invited yogi Haidakhan Baba to their home. At first, Shammi showed little interest in meeting him. Preoccupied with his film commitments, he attended the gathering rather reluctantly.
While sitting quietly in a corner and secretly clicking pictures of Baba, Shammi Kapoor suddenly felt the yogi’s gaze fixed on him. That single moment stirred something deep within and awakened his spiritual curiosity.
Shammi Kapoor decided to visit Haidakhan Baba’s ashram in Nainital. He carried along alcohol, non-vegetarian food and music, convinced that he wouldn’t be able to spend even a single day without them.
After reaching the ashram, just one word from Baba changed his life. Seeing him, the yogi smiled and said, “Mahatma Ji.”
The serene and calm atmosphere of the ashram and Baba’s divine presence had such a profound impact on Shammi that for 12 days, he neither drank alcohol nor ate meat and, surprisingly, didn’t even feel the urge to do so.
Over time, Shammi Kapoor completely gave up alcohol and cigarettes, and embraced a spiritual way of life. His wife, Neela Devi, once shared that Guruji never forced anything upon him, Shammi chose that path on his own.
Shammi Kapoor began accompanying Baba on spiritual journeys and immersed himself in sadhana. He eventually quit his 100-cigarette-a-day habit. He later created a website dedicated to Haidakhan Baba and shared his spiritual journey through Shammi Kapoor Unplugged.