Shashi Kapoor, one of Hindi cinema's most handsome actors, married Jennifer Kendal in July 1958. Their love story began in Calcutta in 1956, where Kapoor was part of Prithvi Theatre and Kendal was with Shakespeareana, a traveling theatre company run by her parents. Their initial interactions evolved into a deep affection as they worked together.
Recently, their son, Kunal Kapoor, shared a surprising anecdote about their wedding night. Following their marriage, Jennifer experienced a rather unusual welcome to the Kapoor family home. Kunal revealed that the Kapoor household was always open to those in need, especially after the partition of India. His grandfather, Prithviraj Kapoor, had opened their doors to refugees, turning their home into a sort of hostel where anyone could come and stay.
Kunal shared that during his parents' wedding night, Jennifer was astonished to find two strangers sitting in their bedroom, casually drinking coffee and conversing. The entire house was similarly occupied, with people sleeping and resting in every available space, including the corridors and the roof. This incident highlighted the Kapoor family's generosity and open-heartedness, even if it meant a less-than-conventional start to a marriage.
Kunal also recounted how his father proposed to his mother in a Kolkata hotel, which became a favorite spot for them. Shashi Kapoor eventually had a suite in the Fairlawn Hotel, and Kunal joked that he and his brother Karan might have been conceived there. The hotel held special significance for Shashi, as it was where he first asked Jennifer out on a date.
Jennifer Kendal, born on February 28, 1933, in Southport, England, came from a theatrical family. She and her sister, Felicity Kendal, spent much of their childhood in India, where their parents' company, Shakespeareana, toured extensively. Jennifer's connection to the theatre was profound, and she played a crucial role in the revival of Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai alongside her husband. She passed away on September 7, 1984, in London.
Shashi Kapoor and Jennifer Kendal's love story is celebrated as a testament to enduring love, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. Their marriage, an intercultural union, was a surprise to many in the film industry. Jennifer left behind her thriving theatre career in England to settle in India with Shashi. Together, they had three children: Kunal Kapoor, Karan Kapoor, and Sanjana Kapoor, all of whom have contributed to the world of theatre and cinema. Sanjana and Kunal continue to manage Prithvi Theatre, honoring their parents' legacy.
