​Shashi Kapoor passes away at 79 after prolonged illness

Veteran actor Shashi Kapoor passed away at the age of 79 after suffering from prolonged illness. "He had kidney problem for several years and was on dialysis," Randhir Kapoor said.

The retired Indian film actor and producer died at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. "The funeral will be held tomorrow morning," he added.

Born as Balbir Raj Prithviraj Kapoor, the film star was the youngest son of Prithviraj Kapoor, and brother of Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor. The actor leaves behind three children - Karan Kapoor, Kunal Kapoor and Sanjana Kapoor.

After acting in various Hindi as well as English movies, the romantic screen icon of '70s and '80s also directed Hindi films.

The Government of India honoured him with a Padma Bhushan for his contributions to art and cinema in 2011. He also received a Dadasaheb Phalke award in 2015. He was the third member of the Kapoor family to receive the award after father and brother Prithviraj Kapoor and Raj Kapoor, respectively.

(With inputs from PTI)