Devi Kapoor Biography – Life, Family, Tragedy & Legacy
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Chetna Sharma
- 9 December 2025
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Devi Kapoor, born Devinder Kapoor in 1927, was a cherished member of the iconic Kapoor family—one of the most influential dynasties in Indian cinema. Although his life lasted only four short years, his story remains an emotional chapter in the early history of the Kapoor household. Born in the historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar of Peshawar (then British India), Devi was the second eldest son of legendary actor–filmmaker Prithviraj Kapoor and his wife Ramsarni Mehra Kapoor. His early childhood was spent in the warmth of a joint Punjabi family at the famous Kapoor Haveli, but destiny had a heartbreaking turn in store for him. In 1931, Devi succumbed to double pneumonia in Mumbai, a tragedy that deeply affected the family. His passing was soon followed by another devastating loss—his younger brother Nandi Kapoor died just a week later. Despite his short life, Devi Kapoor’s name continues to be remembered whenever the legacy of the Kapoor family is discussed.
Devi Kapoor – Quick Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Devi Kapoor |
| Birth Name | Devinder Kapoor |
| Known For | Son of actor Prithviraj Kapoor |
| Date of Birth | 1927 |
| Birthplace | Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Peshawar, British India |
| Date of Death | 1931 |
| Age at Death | 4 years |
| Cause of Death | Double pneumonia |
| Place of Death | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Ethnicity | Indo-Aryan |
| Caste | Khatri |
| Mother Tongue | Punjabi |
| Father | Prithviraj Kapoor |
| Mother | Ramsarni Mehra Kapoor |
| Siblings | Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Nandi Kapoor, Urmila Sial |
| Cousins | Pinchoo Kapoor, Vijay Kapoor, Vicky Kapoor, Subbiraj Kakkar |
| Paternal Grandfather | Dewan Basheswarnath Kapoor |
| Marital Status | Unmarried (child) |
Early Life and Family Background
Devi Kapoor was born into the culturally rich and well-known Punjabi Khatri Kapoor family, whose influence later became monumental in shaping Hindi cinema. His birthplace, the Kapoor Haveli in Peshawar, was known for its warmth, tradition, and artistic environment. Growing up in such a household, even in those brief years, Devi was surrounded by a family that valued theatre, storytelling, and culture.
His father, Prithviraj Kapoor, had already embarked on his acting journey by then, laying the foundation of a legacy that would eventually transform Indian cinema. His mother, Ramsarni, was known for her strong and nurturing personality, and she played a key role in raising the children, especially during the early struggling years of the family.
Siblings and Kapoor Family Lineage
Devi Kapoor was the second eldest among the six children of Prithviraj and Ramsarni Kapoor. His siblings included:
- Raj Kapoor – future showman of Indian cinema
- Nandi Kapoor
- Shammi Kapoor – legendary actor
- Shashi Kapoor – acclaimed actor and filmmaker
- Urmila Sial – the only daughter
Devi also had several cousins from the Kapoor lineage, including actors Pinchoo Kapoor, Vijay Kapoor, and Vicky Kapoor, and Subbiraj Kakkar, who also worked in the entertainment industry. The family’s artistic roots came from their grandfather Dewan Basheswarnath Kapoor, a respected figure who later appeared briefly in Raj Kapoor’s film Awaara.
Tragic Death
In 1931, at just four years old, Devi Kapoor fell seriously ill with double pneumonia, a condition that was difficult to treat in those days. Despite all efforts to save him, the young child passed away in Mumbai. His death caused immense grief in the family, especially for his mother, who had already lost a child earlier. The tragedy deepened when, just a week later, Devi’s younger brother Nandi also died after accidentally consuming rat-poison tablets. These back-to-back losses left a permanent emotional scar on the family and are often recalled as one of the saddest chapters in the Kapoor history.
Legacy
Although Devi Kapoor did not live long enough to participate in the later achievements of the Kapoor dynasty, his memory remains part of the family’s emotional history. The Kapoor family went on to become one of the most celebrated families in Indian cinema, with Raj, Shammi, and Shashi Kapoor becoming towering figures in Bollywood. Devi’s place in the family is remembered with affection, symbolizing the early hardships faced by the Kapoors before fame and success embraced them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who was Devi Kapoor?
Devi Kapoor, born Devinder Kapoor, was the son of legendary actor Prithviraj Kapoor and a member of the famous Kapoor family of Indian cinema.
2. How did Devi Kapoor die?
He passed away in 1931 at the age of four due to double pneumonia.
3. Where was Devi Kapoor born?
He was born at Kapoor Haveli in Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Peshawar, British India.
4. Who were Devi Kapoor’s siblings?
His siblings included Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Nandi Kapoor, and his sister Urmila Sial.
5. What is the legacy of Devi Kapoor?
Though he lived a short life, his memory remains part of the emotional and historical story of the Kapoor family, one of the most influential dynasties in Indian cinema.
