Rajesh Khanna, Shammi Kapoor to Smita Patil: Bollywood legends and their final on-screen roles

The ever green "Yahoo" star, Shammi Kapoor, survived his last screen performance with Imtiaz Ali's 'Rockstar'. Portraying Ustad Jameel Khan, he grasped the gravitas and warmth of being a mentor, and earned that immortal jugalbandi with Ranbir Kapoor. Although very frail and enduring dialysis, Shammi charged through with overwhelming energy and charm, again leaving audiences speechless with emotion with a posthumous release.

Bollywood's most established villain also said goodbye in Subash Ghai's ‘Kisna’. Amrish Puri, who was larger than life in spectacles like ‘Mr. India’ and ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, was in the usual police of the period drama, which got a mixed response in reception. But his presence was almighty as usual and finished a dignified end to a monumental presence.

India's first superstar, Rajesh Khanna, was last seen in 'Riyasat' which was released two years after his death. The film was not well received, but has sentimental value to fans as his last film. The film tried to show him in a strong role, but mostly served as a sweet and sad reminder of the charisma he brought to Indian cinema.

Sunil Dutt returned to the screen after a long absence to play the father of Sanjay Dutt in Rajkumar Hirani's successful film 'Munna Bhai M.B.B.S'. Dutt's role was infused with emotions taken from true life, as the real-life father-son duo transcended a true father-son acting relationship. In some way, this film created a fitting farewell to the veteran actor and politician who played a prominent role in Indian cinema.

Rishi Kapoor's last release in his lifetime was 'The Body', a suspenseful, fascinating thriller. An honorable farewell came overflowing with sentimentality with his last film 'Sharmaji Namkeen', which was unfinished at the time of his passing in 2020. Eventually, the movie was completed with Paresh Rawal, who replaced him. Sharmaji Namkeen was the first Hindi movie in history to have two actors in the same role. The public saw in Sharmaji Namkeen exactly the lovable man Rishi Kapoor established as a legacy.

Nargis, one of India's finest actresses, signed off her career with 'Raat Aur Din', a film that won her the National Award for Best Actress. She played a woman of dual personality, and spectacularly pitched a woman balancing strength and vulnerability. This was the only film she did after her marriage to Sunil Dutt, and it is an extraordinary final chapter to her career.

India's "first female superstar", Sridevi's powerhouse performance in Mom was of a mother seeking justice for her daughter. The film captured her maturity as an actor and was titled as one of her finest works. Later, she also made a special appearance in director Aanand L Rai's Zero (2018), released posthumously after her untimely death and was her last-ever silver-screen moment.

​Smita Patil’s career was tragically cut short at just 31, but she left behind a legacy of incredible performances. Her film 'Galiyon Ka Badshah' is one such project that was delayed and released years after her passing. Although not as commendable as her earlier films, 'Galiyon Ka Badshah' reminds us of an awe-inspiring actress we lost too early in the film industry.

"The Tragedy Queen" of Indian cinema, Meena Kumari, will forever be remembered for 'Pakeezah.' Released weeks before her own death, Pakeezah became the greatest masterpiece of her career and her goodbye. Meena Kumari portrayed a courtesan caught between the dilemma of choosing between love and society. She gave one of Indian cinema's most hauntingly beautiful performances. As it was the launching pad for her career, its popularity and success, solidified her status as an everlasting icon.