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Yun Toh Humne Laakh Haseen Dekhe Hain… Tumsa Nahin Dekha… the lines perfectly suit Indian film industry’s most flamboyant star – Shammi Kapoor. Also referred to as the Elvis Presley of India, Shammi led quite an interesting lifestyle, the facets of which are not known to many.  As we remember the charismatic Shammi Kapoor, we unravel some lesser known facts about the superstar…

Chasing a dream: Shammi dropped out of Ruia College in 1948 to join his father’s Prithvi Theatre. He started as a junior artiste on a salary of Rs.50/ month and quit the group in 1952 on Rs.300/ month. He debuted in Bollywood in 1953.

An affair to remember: His is a very filmy love story. The not-too-hot Shammi Kapoor fell in love with a hot star Geeta Bali. She was also a year older to him, making the affair a strict no-no for their respective families. But like true love birds, the duo got married at a temple and informed their parents only after the wedding.

True love: Many of his films have been filmed in Kashmir leading to Shammi’s never-ending romance with the valley. Each time in Kashmir, he would go hopping around the city streets interacting with fans He also never missed some guilt free quick bites of his favourite Chola Puri.

End of an era: Shammi Kapoor was a poster boy and adored by many for his romantic hero image. But the end of his career as a romantic hero had begun in the 1970s when he went on a weight gaining spree.

Party starter: Even the gloomiest of events and social dos would come alive with Shammi Kapoor around. The hot stepper was also a wonderful singer and never failed to mesmerize family and friends at parties with his crooning. Tum Mujhe Yun Bhula Na Paaoge… was one of the regular tracks he liked to sing.

Behind the wheels: Shammi Kapoor was crazy about cars and loved long drives. So much so that he didn’t give up driving even with age catching up with him. He would get his mean machines custom made to give them a touch of his style and persona. However, his wish to own and drive a Rolls Royce has been left unfulfilled.

Complete foodie: A true blue Punjabi, Shammi relished authentic Punjabi food. Inviting guests over at his Mumbai residence, Blue Haven for High Teas and dinner was a regular affair. It was a time when he would go all out and indulge in his favourite food amongst favourite company.

High on life: Be it the latest gadgets or fashion fads or then the popular lingo, Shammi was always at it. He loved to interact with the young and keep himself abreast about everything hot, hip and happening. As his friends Amitabh Bachchan and Sharmila Tagore recall, despite being on dialysis for 10 years and being wheelchair bound, Shammi had a positive attitude and was gung-ho about life.

Last shot: Rockstar, starring Ranbir Kapoor and directed by Imtiaz Ali will be Shammi Kapoor’s last film.

Parting words: Shammi Kapoor was one of the first Bollywood personalities to get lured by the web world. Extremely net savvy, he was also active on social networks. He described himself on Twitter as Renaissance man, retired actor, computer buff. His last tweet went to Priyanka Chopra telling her to visit Ressee in Berlin, while she was there for a shoot.