In a recent candid conversation, Kunal Kapoor, son of the late legendary actor Shashi Kapoor, peeled back the curtain on the extraordinary lives of his iconic family. He shared remarkable anecdotes that paint a vivid picture of generosity, romance, and a home that was always open to those in need.
The Night That Shocked a New Bride
One of the most startling revelations involved the wedding night of his parents, Shashi Kapoor and Jennifer Kendal, who tied the knot in 1958. Kunal described to Pooja Bhatt how his mother, Jennifer, was horrified upon waking up in her new marital room. She found two complete strangers sitting comfortably in the bedroom, casually sipping coffee and chatting.
This surreal scenario was not a breach of privacy but a testament to the unique environment of the Kapoor household. "My father had a separate room and on the night of his wedding, my mother was horrified because she saw two strangers sitting in the bedroom," Kunal recalled. The unexpected guests were simply part of the fabric of a home that functioned more like a community shelter.
Prithviraj Kapoor's Home: A Haven for Refugees
The heart of these stories lies with the family patriarch, the iconic Prithviraj Kapoor. Kunal revealed that his grandfather's residence was known to operate like a free hostel, especially in the aftermath of the Partition. "My grandfather's house was like a hostel where anybody could come and stay," he stated.
The generosity knew no bounds. Refugees and those displaced by the traumatic events of Partition found shelter within its walls. People slept wherever they could find space—in the corridors, on the floors, and even on the open terrace. This open-door policy defined the household's character, making personal moments, like a wedding night, unexpectedly communal.
Kunal also shared a poignant story about the family cook, Tara Bai. She was a refugee who had lost her entire family, including her husband, during the Partition. Prithviraj Kapoor gave her not just shelter but a purpose. When she said she could cook, he employed her. Tara Bai went on to build her own tandoor and cooked for the entire street, with Kunal noting she might have been an early pioneer of portable tandoors.
A Kolkata Hotel: The Cradle of a Love Story
Beyond the bustling hostel-home in Mumbai, Kunal shed light on a special place that held immense sentimental value for his parents: The Fairlawn Hotel in Kolkata. This was not just any hotel; it was the very spot where Shashi Kapoor first asked Jennifer Kendal out on a date.
"The first time when my father asked my mother out, he was in the hotel because that's where they met," Kunal explained. Jennifer was staying there with her parents, and Shashi went to the hotel to propose their first date. This location remained their favourite throughout their lives and relationship.
The connection deepened so much that Shashi Kapoor eventually had his own suite at the Fairlawn. Kunal humorously added, "The chances are that Karan and I were possibly conceived there. I'm sure I was conceived there." The hotel also hosted the entire unit during the shooting of their film, '36 Chowringhee Lane'.
Even as a celebrated, married actor, the old waiters at Fairlawn continued to treat Shashi Kapoor with familiar, paternal affection. "The old waiters would still call him Shashi Baba and they would shout at him if he was not at the table on time," Kunal said, illustrating how they forever saw him as the 17-year-old boy they once knew.
Kunal Kapoor, along with his siblings Karan Kapoor and Sanjana Thapar, grew up amidst this rich tapestry of cinematic legacy, profound humanity, and epic romance. These stories offer a rare glimpse into the personal lives of one of Bollywood's first families, where stardom was seamlessly woven with staggering compassion and timeless love.
