Bollywood actor-producer-director Chandrashekhar passed away on June 16, 2021, at the age of 98. Popular for his roles in movies such as Sharaabi, Kati Patang, Burning Train, and more, he is said to have acted in 250 films but the number is more. He also directed movies such as Cha Cha Cha with Helen and Street Singh. His grandson well known TV actor Shakti Arora, shared that his grandfather was not only a good actor but also a great dancer. The actor credits his late grandfather for his dancing ability.
Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi actor told BT that he was shooting in Chandigarh when he received this sad news, "I was shooting in Chandigarh when I got the news. I am going back to Mumbai now. The funeral was supposed to be at 1 pm but they have now postponed it to 4 pm because I will take some time to reach." Shakti revealed his grandfather being a great dancer and he has inherited the dancing genes from his grandfather.
Shakti adds, "He was a great dancer. I became a good dancer only after I practised during my stint on Jhalak Dikhla Jaa. But, now when I look back, I feel, maybe I inherited the dancing genes from my grandfather."
He also mentioned his late grandfather did not want Shakti to join the acting profession, due to uncertainty. Instead he wanted the actor pursue MBA and take up a job corporate world. "He wanted me to complete my MBA and take up a job in the corporate world. But, somehow, I was inclined towards acting and later when he saw my TV show, Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi, he felt proud. My grandfather was not very educated but he was very well-informed. He could recite interesting shayaris and I having spent good times with him, which are now beautiful memories to cherish." ALSO READ: Chandrashekhar: Hindi Cinema’s Oldest Actor No More; Mala Sinha, Asha Parekh And Grandson Shakti Arora Mourn
Speaking about his grandfather leading a disciplined life and passed away due to age factor and did not suffer from any ailment, he said, "He used to follow a strict diet and hardly ate carbs. He had been unwell since the past few days but he was not suffering from any ailment. He passed away due to old age. In fact, we were all set to celebrate his birthday on July 7, as he would turn 99. It is a coincidence that my grandmother passed away 10 years ago on the same day. "
Recalling about acting with his grandfather for a short film, he said, "I am happy that he lived a good life, produced and directed films and acted in around 200 films. I had the opportunity to act with him in a short film many years ago. I remember being extremely nervous in front of him." ALSO READ: Kshijit Tarey's Song 'Fan Ho Gaya' Starring Shakti Arora, Neha Saxena Released
Late actor Chandrashekhar was Shakti’s maternal grandfather.
Image Source: Instagram/thewomenexpress/shaktiarora