/> The much-praised film Rockstar had a most unexpected patron on Monday evening. The ailing yesteryears' matinee idol Shashi Kapoor.

Shashi who emblazoned his name across the marquee with a series of romantic musicals in the 1960s, has a very intense emotional connectivity with Rockstar. Not only does his grand-nephew Ranbir Kapoor star in the film, Shashi's elder brother Shammi Kapoor's last screen-appearance is in Rockstar.

And this, Shashi had to see.

Says a source, "Because of his failing health and immobility Shashiji has not been to see a movie in a theatre for the last ten years. Can you imagine!

The cineaste who brought in a new-kind of romantic hero in cinema, did international projects with the world's top directors and championed art-house cinema with historic clutter-breakers like 36 Chowringhee Lane, Junoon and Utsav, can't go to the cinema any more?

Of course he watches films at home. But for Rockstar Shashiji insisted on going to the theatre, no matter how much of an effort it took him. He had two reasons to make this seemingly-impossible trip to the theatre. Shashiji wanted to see his brother's ultimate screen appearance. He also wanted to watch Ranbir whom he had not seen on screen so far. "

Shashi apparently took all his beloved staffers from Prithvi Theatres to the movie with him.

Confirming the same Rishi Kapoor said, "That's right. My Uncle had not been to a theatre for more than ten years. He went and saw Rockstar. And he liked Ranbir's work. We are all enjoying the response the film has had. "