Nandi Kapoor Biography – Early Life, Family Background & Tragic Death
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Chetna Sharma
- 10 December 2025
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Nandi Kapoor, born Ravinder Kapoor in 1929, was the third eldest son of legendary Indian actor and filmmaker Prithviraj Kapoor and Ramsarni Mehra Kapoor. Born in the historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar of Peshawar (then British India), he spent his early childhood in the culturally rich atmosphere of the Kapoor Haveli, surrounded by a family that would later shape the foundation of Indian cinema. Though his life was tragically brief, Nandi’s story remains an emotional fragment of the Kapoor family’s early years. In 1931, at only two years of age, he accidentally consumed rat-poison tablets placed in the garden and passed away in Mumbai. His death occurred just a week after the loss of his elder brother, Devi Kapoor, marking one of the saddest chapters in the family’s history.
Nandi Kapoor – Quick Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Nandi Kapoor |
| Birth Name | Ravinder Kapoor |
| Known For | Son of Prithviraj Kapoor |
| Date of Birth | 1929 |
| Birthplace | Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Peshawar, British India |
| Date of Death | 1931 |
| Age at Death | 2 years |
| Cause of Death | Accidental poisoning |
| 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, Devi Kapoor, Urmila Sial |
| Cousins | Pinchoo Kapoor, Vijay Kapoor, Vicky Kapoor, Subbiraj Kakkar |
| Paternal Grandfather | Dewan Basheswarnath Kapoor |
| Marital Status | Unmarried (child) |
Early Life
Nandi Kapoor was born into a close-knit Punjabi Khatri household that valued culture, theatre, and family traditions. The Kapoor Haveli, his birthplace, was known for its lively atmosphere and strong familial bonding. His early years were spent under the loving care of his parents, especially his mother Ramsarni, who managed the household while Prithviraj Kapoor pursued his acting career in the emerging Indian film industry.
Despite being very young, Nandi grew up in a large and affectionate joint family, surrounded by siblings who would later become some of Indian cinema’s most celebrated artists—Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, and Shashi Kapoor.
Family and Kapoor Lineage
The Kapoor family, already rooted in theatre and performing arts, would go on to create a legacy that shaped Indian cinema for generations. Nandi was the third son among the Kapoor children:
- Raj Kapoor – future filmmaker and actor known as “The Showman”
- Devi Kapoor – elder brother who also passed away young
- Shammi Kapoor – beloved actor of the 1950s–70s
- Shashi Kapoor – internationally acclaimed actor and producer
- Urmila Sial – the only daughter
He was also part of a vast extended family that included cousins like Pinchoo Kapoor, Vijay Kapoor, Vicky Kapoor, and Subbiraj Kakkar, all of whom had connections to the entertainment world. His paternal grandfather, Dewan Basheswarnath Kapoor, was a respected figure who appeared in Raj Kapoor’s film Awaara years later.
Tragic Death
In 1931, a heartbreaking accident changed the course of the Kapoor family’s life. At just two years old, Nandi accidentally swallowed rat-poison tablets that had been kept in the garden. Despite immediate efforts to save him, the poison proved fatal.
His passing came only one week after the death of his elder brother Devi Kapoor, who had succumbed to double pneumonia. These consecutive tragedies devastated the family, especially their mother Ramsarni, who endured immense grief during those early years.
Legacy
Although Nandi Kapoor’s life was short, he remains a remembered part of the Kapoor family’s emotional history. His memory symbolizes the hardships the family faced long before they rose to prominence in Indian cinema. The success of his siblings and future generations keeps the Kapoor name alive, while stories of Nandi and Devi remind us of the unseen struggles behind the family’s legendary status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who was Nandi Kapoor?
Nandi Kapoor, born Ravinder Kapoor, was the third son of Prithviraj Kapoor and a member of India’s iconic Kapoor film family.
2. How did Nandi Kapoor die?
He passed away in 1931 at the age of two after accidentally swallowing rat-poison tablets in the garden.
3. Where was Nandi Kapoor born?
He was born at Kapoor Haveli in Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Peshawar, then part of British India.
4. Who were his siblings?
His siblings included Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Devi Kapoor, and Urmila Sial.
5. Why is Nandi Kapoor remembered today?
Though his life was short, he remains a part of the Kapoor family’s early history and is often mentioned in accounts of the family’s personal struggles and legacy.
