Ashish Vidyarthi recalls Shammi Kapoor being mocked when Rajesh Khanna rose as the new superstar: 'Where's the crowd these days?'

Ashish Vidyarthi recalls a valuable life lesson from Bollywood legend Shammi Kapoor, who once shared a candid perspective on fame and fleeting stardom. Reflecting on how audiences and the industry move on, Ashish reveals how the iconic 60s star’s witty insight about Rajesh Khanna’s rise left a lasting impression.

A memorable encounter in Sharjah

In conversation with Siddharth Kanan, Ashish shared a memorable encounter with Shammi Kapoor that left a lasting impression. The meeting took place in Sharjah while Ashish was shooting his TV series Dastaan. Shammi Kapoor, who was there with a producer for another project, shared a candid moment of wisdom with him.




The actor recalled a lesson Shammi Kapoor once shared with him years ago. While Ashish was shooting the TV serial Dastaan in Sharjah, Shammi Kapoor had come for his project Chattan with a producer. Shammi advised him that the film industry can be harsh and quick to judge. He shared how, when his own stardom began to fade, people would ask about the dwindling crowds. Shammi’s witty response was that the crowd had simply moved on—to Rajesh Khanna’s bungalow, Aashirwad—teaching Ashish a lesson about fame and perspective.

A message that stayed with him

Ashish reflected on that encounter, saying it stayed with him for years. He explained that Shammi Kapoor’s message was clear: people will eventually move on. Those who once celebrated your success may walk away, and it’s your destiny that drives your achievements. So, while it’s important to cherish success, one should not assume it will last forever.

Shammi Kapoor’s legacy and changing times

Shammi Kapoor, the iconic 'rebel star' of the 60s, gradually moved away from lead roles as a new generation of actors emerged. By the early 70s, Rajesh Khanna had captured audiences’ hearts, followed by Amitabh Bachchan’s rise as the 'angry young man.' Interestingly, Shammi shared the screen with Rajesh Khanna for the first time in Ramesh Sippy’s Andaz, where Khanna’s special appearance added a new spark to the film.

See more: 'Amitabh Bachchan went bankruptcy, he never used to lament,' says Ashish Vidyarthi as he recalls working with the legendary actor: 'People did eat when he was injured during Coolie'