Post his break up with Kareena Kapoor, Shahid Kapur had gone into hiding. The actor, who was only seen for his 15 minutes of fame last year in his sole release ‘Kismat Konnection’, has matured and evolved with time. Today he is much more focused about the kind of cinema he wants to be part of. And topping all these charming traits is the loudly stated statement ‘I am single’ that makes this hunk simply irresistible. Speaking to Swati Chaturvedi of Spicezee.com, the actor spoke about his life after ‘the break-up’ and his upcoming films on ‘Kahiye Janaab’.
Excerpts:
Swati:: Post your break-up with Kareena you had nearly gone into hiding. You didn’t speak to the media making us all believe that you were angry at the media.
Shahid: No, there was nothing like that. I had only one film release last year. Maybe that’s the reason I was less in news.
Swati: So, does that mean that you only speak to the media when your flicks hit screens?
Shahid: See, our work is such that we only interact with the media when our films are about to hit theaters. My interactions with the media have always been limited to my work. And it’s only during this time that I answer questions and get chatty.
Swati: What’s has kept you so busy?
Shahid: I have been shooting for Vishal Bharadwaj’s ‘Kaminay’. (laughs)And no offence meant it’s just the title of the film.
Swati: Don’t you feel that the title of the film is bound to spur controversy?
Shahid: It’s a different title and it’s also a title that I feel will draw attention. But, I don’t feel there is anything wrong with it. It’s not a harmful film. And I feel that the right to choose the title of the film completely rests with the director. I know Vishal and I blindly trust his judgment. He has made some marvelous films and I don’t think there is anything wrong with the title.
Swati: You have always kept away from all kinds of controversies and have never been involved in any kind of blog or abs war antics. Is it because you have wanted to come across as a dignified actor?
Shahid: I won’t say that I am dignified and others aren’t. I feel that even I would take off my shirt if my film so demands. And today, I feel all these wars are a part of promoting your films. You have to be aggressive in today’s age. It’s a time when one has to shout from the rooftop to draw attention. I feel every person has a right to market his films. So whichever way works for them, it’s their wish.
Swati: You haven’t been a part of any Bollywood camp. Do you feel left out?
Shahid: (Laughs) Well, I have a home so I don’t need to stay in a camp. But honestly, I am in a creative field and it has never bothered me to think about such trivial things. I feel that the best work happens when two newcomers are roped in because they are eager to deliver their best.
Swati: Have all your films been exciting?
Shahid: Well I won’t say all, but every film has been a learning experience. Honestly speaking, it has been only 2 years since I have started choosing films. Now, I do only those films that I want to be a part of. Initially, when I came into the industry, I use to trust others judgment more than mine, but now I have developed a knack for films and know what roles do the audience want to see me in.
Swati: And what roles are those?
Shahid: I think they like to see me in romantic roles.
Swati: Is that because you are 27 and single?
Shahid : Well, I don’t want to comment on that because then others are going to ask me the same and I don’t want to answer such questions.
Swati: Is Shahid Kapur single?
Shahid: I have always stated that if there is anyone in my life, then everyone will know of it in due course of time. And to tell you frankly, I don’t like to talk about my private life in public. I feel it’s my right to keep it to myself.
Swati: This change has come after your break-up with Kareena. Why were you so open about your relationship with her earlier?
Shahid: Today I don’t like talking about my personal relationship because I feel that it’s my personal space. When I was in relationship with Kareena I use to think differently, but now things have changed. As a person, I have always wanted normalcy in my life. I have come from a middle class family and a basic background. I have travelled in buses and trains. I never lived in bungalow surrounded by guards. But, the fact is that life changes after you become a star and I try my best not to get carried away by my celebrity lifestyle.
Swati: You say you don’t like talking about your personal life, but when there were speculations an affair between you and Vidya, she had a lot to say. Didn’t that bother you?
Shahid: Vidya is a very good friend of mine and what she says it’s her wish. I can only speak for myself. And many a times there are things said in a different way and projected in a different way. I really don’t know what to believe.
Swati: You were in a committed relationship with Kareena. The break-up must have hurt. How far did it affect your work?
Shahid: It did hurt. But as an actor, I have never let anything come in the way of my work. I have always given my best.
Swati:”Jab We Met’ was a huge success. Do you think you’ll work with Kareena again?
Shahid: Of course, I will. I have said this right from the time ‘the break up’ happened that if a good movie comes and the director tells me that no one else except Kareena will suit a certain role then I have no right to say that I won’t do the film.
In fact, if my director will ask me to romance a cow or a buffalo then I will do that too. It’s my job.
Swati: Who is your favourite female co-star?
Shahid: On the basis of my films, I think it’s Amrita Rao because my first movie was with her. We were both newcomers and it was very difficult to have the kind of chemistry we did. Also, Kareena for ‘Jab We Met’, But currently I have really enjoyed working with Priyanka.
Swati: So, Vidya Balan is not your favourite?
Shahid: No, I do like working with her. In fact she is one of the finest actors I have worked with and I hope I get to do a film with her where the characters have enough to do. I feel that ‘Kismat Konnection’ did have romance, but not enough to make a couple work.
Swati: You are acting in a film directed by your father. Why did it take so long for you two to come together for a film?
Shahid: My father wanted us to do a film only once he had the right script in hand. He never wanted us to do a film for the sake of doing one.
Swati: What are your plans for the Valentine’s day?
Shahid: I will be shooting for a Yash Raj film in Chandigarh. So I am a very boring 27-yr old.
Swati: Are you and Sania involved?
Shahid: Me and Sania are good friends and nothing more than that.
