The fortuitous journey of ‘Crime Master’ Shakti Kapoor

Shakti Kapoor looks back on getting into the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune and then making the move to Mumbai.

How it all began for Shakti Kapoor

‘This was in 1973, when 40,000 aspiring actors from across the country were vying for the 10 seats that were up for grabs at the country’s premier film school. And one of them had no idea he was even in the running till he got a letter from the institute informing him that he had been selected for the written test,’ Shakti Kapoor reminisces with a laugh. Even as he was wondering how he had come to be selected, the friend called and admitted to having filled the form on his behalf, and persuaded him to take the test. He found it surprisingly easy and passed with flying colours.

He was then called for the audition, for which he was coached by his friends. He walked into the venue, a classroom of Delhi Public School, and did a double take. Seated before him were Ashok Kumar, Kamini Kaushal and Hrishikesh Mukherjee. ‘I rushed forward and touched their feet, asking for their ashirwad [blessings] and admitting to being a huge fan. Smiling indulgently, they reminded me that I was...

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