Shahid Kapoor Opens Up About 21 Years In The Industry: “I Still Feel The Need To Prove Myself”: Shahid Kapoor, a name synonymous with versatility in Bollywood, recently shared his thoughts on his journey in the Hindi film industry, which has spanned over two decades. Known for his charming personality and a diverse range of roles, from romantic leads to intense characters, Shahid has consistently proven his acting mettle. Despite his immense popularity, the actor reveals that he still feels the need to prove himself, even after 21 years in the industry. Virender Sehwag and Aarti Ahlawat: Are They Getting Divorced?
Early Struggles and Unseen Challenges
Shahid Kapoor’s journey to Bollywood fame wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t handed to him on a silver platter despite having parents who were already in the industry. His father, Pankaj Kapur, and mother, Neelima Azeem, were established actors, but their fame didn’t guarantee him a smooth entry into the film world. Shahid recently spoke candidly in an interview with Raj Shamani on his podcast about the difficulties he faced breaking into Bollywood.
Before making his debut in the film Ishq Vishq, Shahid revealed that he had auditioned between 250 to 300 times, an effort that speaks volumes about his perseverance. Unlike some actors who begin their careers with established directors or big-banner movies, Shahid had to work his way up from scratch. He described how he had to endure the disapproving looks and doubts of industry insiders who weren’t sure about casting him. These early challenges, he believes, shaped his resilience and determination.
The Need To Prove Himself: A 21-Year-Old Struggle
Despite having achieved success with hits like Kabir Singh, Haider, and Badmaash Company, Shahid feels that he still has much to prove. His vast experience and varied filmography don’t seem to ease his self-doubt. “I still feel the need to prove myself,” he confessed. Urvashi Rautela addresses another controversy
This feeling is something many actors experience, even after they’ve established a fan base. For Shahid, it is a constant drive to keep pushing boundaries and not resting on his laurels. He explained that the industry has a way of evaluating an actor, often reducing them to their last performance or their most recent film. Despite his popularity and acclaim, Shahid admits that in the back of his mind, he still wonders if people will continue to accept him and his performances.
Shahid’s belief is that one must continually earn the respect of the audience, which he considers sacred. “If you don’t respect that privilege, you shouldn’t be there,” he remarked, emphasizing how the opportunity to be in the spotlight is a rare privilege, one that should not be taken lightly. To him, the spotlight should be treated like a temple – sacred and revered. For Shahid, standing in front of the camera is not just a job; it is a blessing.
A Humble Outlook: Respecting The Privilege
Shahid’s perspective on the entertainment industry highlights his humility and his unwavering commitment to his craft. He noted how often people fail to appreciate the privilege they have, being in the public eye, but he understands how hard it is to achieve such a position. His words were a reminder to both aspiring actors and seasoned professionals alike – the fame and success they have are hard-earned and should not be taken for granted.
For Shahid, every role and every film is an opportunity to prove his worth and continue to grow as an artist. The industry has given him fame, but it also demands that he remains grounded and constantly improves his skills.
The Biggest Takeaway From 21 Years of Career
Reflecting on his two-decade-long career, Shahid revealed that his biggest takeaway has been his process of self-discovery. Unlike many who compare their progress to others, Shahid has focused on personal growth rather than external competition.
He admitted that over the years, he has worked on understanding who he truly is as an actor. His experiences have taught him that he is neither better nor worse than anyone else. What matters most is his journey and his commitment to learning. This insight, according to Shahid, has been one of the most significant takeaways from his time in the industry.
He described his evolution as an actor as a journey toward becoming his best self, emphasizing that the more he learns, the better he gets at his craft. This continuous learning mindset has allowed him to embrace new challenges and to take on roles that allow him to showcase different facets of his acting.
Upcoming Projects: Shahid Kapoor’s Next Moves
As Shahid continues to evolve as an actor, he is excited about his upcoming projects. One of the most anticipated films of his career is Deva, directed by Rosshan Andrews. In Deva, Shahid plays a role that marks a new chapter in his career. The film also stars Pooja Hegde in a pivotal role.
In addition, Shahid is working on another exciting project titled Arjun Ustara, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. This film is expected to be a significant collaboration, and fans are eager to see Shahid’s chemistry with his co-star, Triptii Dimri, who is rumored to play his love interest in the film. This partnership would mark their first on-screen collaboration, adding to the anticipation surrounding the film.
The Future of Shahid Kapoor in Bollywood
Shahid Kapoor’s journey in Bollywood has been one of perseverance, hard work, and constant growth. From his early struggles with auditions to his stardom in films like Jab We Met and Kabir Singh, Shahid has become one of Bollywood’s most respected actors. However, his humility and desire to improve show that he is far from complacent.
As he embarks on new projects like Deva and Arjun Ustara, it is clear that Shahid Kapoor’s future in the industry is bright. His willingness to continuously prove himself, coupled with his commitment to personal and professional growth, ensures that he remains one of Bollywood’s most beloved and versatile actors.
With a career that spans over two decades, Shahid Kapoor continues to inspire both newcomers and veterans in the industry, demonstrating that no matter how much success one achieves, the hunger to grow and evolve never truly fades.