This Beloved Mumbai Street Snack Had Shammi Kapoor Coming Back for More, Jatin Kapoor Reveals
This Beloved Mumbai Street Snack Had Shammi Kapoor Coming Back for More, Jatin Kapoor Reveals
Every person has that one food they can’t resist—a snack that instantly brings joy no matter what kind of day they’re having. For Bollywood legend Shammi Kapoor, this simple pleasure was a beloved Mumbai street snack that he could never get enough of. While the actor is remembered for his energetic performances, timeless charm, and iconic style, his fondness for this treat reveals a delightful and grounded side of the superstar.
Jatin Kapoor, the son of Urmila Sial and grandson of Prithviraj Kapoor, recently took to Instagram to share a nostalgic story about Shammi Kapoor’s love for this snack. He recalled how, whenever his uncle visited their Matunga home, the house would come alive with laughter, stories, and plates piled high with his favourite street food.
Jatin said, “Whenever my uncle came over, we all had such a wonderful time. A Pani Puri vendor would come upstairs to our flat, carrying his stand and containers. He would set up outside and start selling. Normally, his plate had 5–6 puris, but Shammi uncle’s plate was extraordinary—about 20 puris. And at that time, everyone’s plates were the same. We would eat two plates each, and it was always a lot of fun.”
Shammi Kapoor was especially fond of Pani Puri and Dahi Puri, and these snacks were his absolute favorites whenever he visited.
What set Shammi Kapoor’s plates apart wasn’t just the quantity but also how he liked them prepared. Jatin explained, “He loved adding a generous amount of yogurt. There was tamarind chutney, moong, potato, and chura on top. And the red chili powder! If you looked at his plate from above, it would always appear red—that was Shammi uncle’s signature.”
The family also remembers the humor and joy surrounding these visits. Jatin shared, “We used to eat so much that for about a week we wouldn’t even talk about the snack. After ten days, we would go back to the vendor and ask for it again. The vendor would ask, ‘Shall I make the Shammi Sahab plate?’ and we would say, ‘No, no, we only have two rupees. Just make a plate with five puris.’ The plate was smaller, but the love, the taste, and the enjoyment remained the same.”
Despite being a legendary actor, he remained grounded, enjoying simple joys with his family. Jatin also noted that while Shammi uncle was stylish and larger than life, he relished everyday pleasures like this street snack, showing that even icons have their favorite treats that bring them comfort and happiness.
