He was the most pampered and protected amongst his other siblings. His parents lost two of their children Nandiraj Kapoor, and Deviraj Kapoor before his birth.
He spent major part of his early childhood living and studying in Kolkata, where his father 'Prthviraj Kapoor' was busy with his theatre work. Later for his major schooling he was shifted back to Mumbai.
To make a mark like his elder brother and father; Shammi Kapoor dropped out of Ruia College, Matunga, Mumbai to start his bollywood career.