In his forthcoming film, Teri Meri Kahaani, Shahid Kapoor pays tribute to the late dancing icon Shammi Kapoor. He says, “I have grown up watching Shammi sir’s films, and have always admired him. I especially loved him in Teesri Manzil (1966) and Kashmir Ki Kali (1964).” Shahid’s upcoming flick spans three eras — the 1900s, ’60s and 2012.

Kapoor adds, “Shammi is a style icon for a lot of youngsters even today. For the track set in the ’60s, Kunal (director Kunal Kohli) gave me a video compilation of his films and songs to pick up nuances. Through this track, we are paying homage to the Elvis Presley of India.”

The young actor had earlier paid a tribute to Shammi Kapoor at the Zee Awards show, along with Ranbir Kapoor. Teri Meri Kahaani, which also stars Shahid’s reported ex-girlfriend Priyanka Chopra, has the duo sporting three different looks to match the eras, and costumes have been designed by Manish Malhotra and Kunal Rawal.

Kohli says, “Shahid’s posture and mannerisms will have traces of Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand, while his dance is inspired by Shammi Kapoor. We have been very particular about not making these references look like spoofs, because we don’t intend to make fun of them.”

Shots from Shammi Kapoor’s ’60s films like Junglee, An Evening in Paris, Teesri Manzil, Tumsa Nahin Dekha, Dil Deke Dekho were part of the main references he says. The director adds, “We made a compilation video of Mumtaz and Saira Banu for Priyanka, so that she could pick up nuances of how they walked and dressed.”

For the ’60s look, Kohli says Shahid’s costumes will have a British influence, with the actor donning hats and suspenders. However, for the 1900s look, the director and his designers took some liberties and portrayed the pre-independence era in colour, with natural dyes used on cotton and raw silk fabrics for costumes.