"Oscars. Thank you for remembering Shashi Kapoor and Sridevi."
Two of Bollywood finest veteran actors, the late Sridevi and Shashi Kapoor were honoured at the 90th Academy Awards on Sunday 4th March 2018.
Both these icons of Indian cinema, who recently passed away, were recognised during an emotional memorial segment at the prestigious Hollywood ceremony.
Images of Sridevi and Shashi Kapoor were displayed during the ‘In Memoriam’ montage to reveal their extraordinary contribution to the film industry.
The musical tribute was led by Eddie Vedder, who performed a rendition of Tom Petty’s ‘Room at the Top’.
While Shashi was also honoured during the BAFTAs tribute in February 2018, the inclusion of Sridevi alongside Shashi at the Oscars was a poignant moment for many Bollywood fans.
The death of the remarkable actress, who passed away so unexpectedly on 24th February, is still fresh in the minds of many, including the film industry itself.
Both fans and stars took to Twitter to express their sadness at the passing of both these icons as well as their gratitude for them being honoured by Hollywood:
So amazing to see the #oscars pay respect to #shashikapoor and #sridevi #Oscar90
— VarunDhawan (@Varun_dvn) March 5, 2018
Sridevi and Shashi Kapoor in Oscars Memoriam. What true great stars we have lost. #oscars90
— arjun rampal (@rampalarjun) March 5, 2018
Film director and choreographer, Farah Khan added:
“Teary eyed to see #Sridevi being featured in the Oscars IN MEMORIUM… [sic]”
Teary eyed to see #Sridevi being featured in the Oscars IN MEMORIUM.. ??
— TheFarahKhan (@TheFarahKhan) March 5, 2018
Thank you #Oscars for paying tribute to #Sridevi & #ShashiKapoor tonight amongst the many incredible global artists we lost this in the last year???#Oscars2018
— Sophie C (@Sophie_Choudry) March 5, 2018
In particular, Rishi Kapoor tweeted: “Oscars. Thank you for remembering Shashi Kapoor and Sridevi.”
Oscars. Thank you for remembering Shashi Kapoor and Sridevi. Thrilled to see the name Raj Kapoor as the executive producer of the show. We are on the threshold of world cinema! pic.twitter.com/YMkqntZ4Xz
— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) March 5, 2018
The Oscars paid tribute to our beloved Sridevi…#YourLegacyLivesOn
— vidya balan (@vidya_balan) March 5, 2018
Actors such as Varun Dhawan, Arjun Rampal and Rishi Kapoor expressed their thanks and amazement. While Vidya Balan tweeted the hashtag “#YourLegacyLivesOn”.
Many fans felt that the tribute was incredibly fitting. Particularly as the two stars were honoured alongside other Hollywood actors who have also passed away in the last 12 months. These include James Bond actor Roger Moore, comedian Jerry Lewis, horror legend George Romero and French star Jeanne Moreau.
In India, both Sridevi and Shashi Kapoor’s passing has left a considerable mark on the film industry.
Sridevi tragically died at her hotel room in Dubai, where she was attending her nephew Mohit Marwah’s wedding. Initially thought to be a cardiac arrest, police later confirmed that she accidentally drowned in her bathtub.
Her state funeral which took place on 28th February 2018 was attended by thousands of fans, who paid their last respects to the actress.
Having begun her acting career at the age of 4 years old, Sridevi was a true icon. She achieved an incredible 50 years in the film industry. She performed in a variety of Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi films. A legend in Bollywood, she was widely regarded as an extraordinary beauty that never aged.
Sridevi was well-known for her roles in films such as Chandni, Mr India, Himmatwala, English Vinglish, and her final role as a lead actress, Mom. In 2013, Sri received a Padma Shri, which is the country’s fourth highest civilian accolade.
Similarly, Shashi Kapoor also left his legacy as an Indian film actor and producer. Known to be one of Bollywood’s most iconic heroes, he sadly passed away in December 2017 having battled a kidney disease for many years.
Beginning his career during the 1940s, Kapoor appeared in 168 films. He is best known for his roles in films like Deewaar and Junoon and a significant part of the Kapoor dynasty.
These two amazing film stars have changed the way that many of us view Indian cinema and they both deserve this honorary mention.
Although Sridevi and Shashi Kapoor are no more, their commitment and love towards Indian cinema will always live on.
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