Veteran Bollywood icon Shammi Kapoor, remembered for his exuberant energy and unforgettable performances in classic films of the 50s and 60s, once opened up in a rare and heartfelt moment about his admiration for Deepika Padukone and her chemistry with his grand-nephew, Ranbir Kapoor. Long before the duo became household names for their on-screen magic and off-screen romance, Shammi Kapoor had expressed a genuine wish — he hoped they would one day tie the knot.
During one of his candid interviews in the later years of his life, Shammi Kapoor spoke glowingly about Deepika Padukone, highlighting not just her beauty and elegance but also her confident and dignified persona. What made his admiration stand out was the old-school charm with which he expressed it. “In our times,” he had remarked, “ladkiyan aisi nahi hoti thi. She’s so graceful, well-spoken, and carries herself with immense poise. I wish Ranbir settles down with someone like her — in fact, I wish they get married.”
The comment was made during a phase when Deepika and Ranbir were reportedly dating and had become one of the most talked-about young couples in the film industry. Their pairing was celebrated not just for their sizzling screen presence in films like Bachna Ae Haseeno and Tamasha, but also for the genuine bond they seemed to share off-screen. Shammi Kapoor, known to be deeply affectionate towards his family, clearly saw something special in their dynamic and didn’t shy away from expressing it.
What made his sentiment even more endearing was the generational contrast. Shammi Kapoor, who belonged to the golden era of Hindi cinema, admitted that women like Deepika — who combine talent with grace, modernity with tradition — were rare in his youth. His statement, “Humare time pe aisi ladkiyan nahi hoti thi,” wasn’t just a compliment to Deepika, but also a gentle reflection on how much the film industry and the portrayal of women had evolved over the decades.
Though Deepika and Ranbir eventually went their separate ways, they maintained a respectful friendship and continued to collaborate professionally, winning hearts with their mature approach to both love and career. Shammi Kapoor’s wish, though never fulfilled, remains a charming footnote in the long story of Bollywood’s most beloved families.
Fans of the Kapoor legacy still look back fondly on this anecdote, often sharing it as a testament to Shammi Kapoor’s timeless romanticism and his affectionate outlook on relationships. It also serves as a reminder of how certain stars, even in their later years, remained deeply engaged with the evolving landscape of Indian cinema — and the young stars shaping its future.
Though the love story of Deepika and Ranbir did not end in marriage, Shammi Kapoor’s wistful remark continues to be remembered with a smile, as a sweet chapter in the intertwining history of two generations of Bollywood
