Shahid Kapoor is the son of actors Pankaj Kapur and Neelima Azeem. But it wasn't really nepotism that made him a star - he had to earn his place with hard work.
Shahid Kapoor chose mainstream Bollywood, unlike his father Pankaj Kapoor, who is a stalwart in theatre and parallel Indian cinema. But you see, being the son of such an incredible artist, it was only natural that he would cater to that side of art too. And that's why - quite beautifully - he maintains a fine balance between commercial entertainers and out-of-the-box cinema. He started as the quintessential chocolate boy with films like 'Ishq Vishq', 'Dil Maange More', and 'Vivah' among others. He garnered an insane female craze; but instead of staying in that comfort zone, he decided to break away and take on complex characters. With Vishal Bhardwaj's 'Kaminey', he proved that he was much more than just a rom-com hero. He was offered 'Bang Bang', but turned it down because he had his eyes set on 'Haider' - and you know the rest. He did 'Udta Punjab' and 'Kabir Singh' despite knowing the risk of playing such dark and deeply flawed characters. Also, he doesn't shy away from doing a remake, despite being fully aware of the inevitable comparisons. And he steps into the digital world fearlessly, something that many of his peers would hesitate to try.
A recipient of three Filmfare Awards, Shahid Kapoor is a true artist - and as they say, "artists never play it safe". Of course, he would do a 'Shaandaar', a 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya', or a 'Deva', which may not be critically and commercially good, but he leaves no stone unturned in his performances.
(Credit: shahidkapoor)
The celebrated actor turns 44 today. On this occasion, we share an interesting fact about him that you didn't know.
Yes, you read it absolutely right! Although Kapoor comes from a family of actors, 'nepotism' didn't work in his journey as his parents are not Bollywood stars. Yes, he had the privilege of getting exposure to the world of acting at a young age. But he had to work hard to carve his niche in the industry.
Kapoor was born and brought up in New Delhi and moved to Mumbai with his mother when he was 10 years old. At the age of 15, he joined Shiamak Davar's dance academy and went on to appear as a background dancer in several films. Meanwhile, he also started auditioning for films - only to get rejected.
#ShahidKapoor as a background dancer in Taal and Dil Toh Pagal Hai.
— The Filmy Funda Guy (@filmyfundaguy) February 25, 2021
Vikramaditya Motwane's last venture was earlier titled 'AK vs SK' with Shahid Kapoor in the role of the superstar pitted against Anurag Kashyap.
The Haider and Kaminey actor celebrates his 40th birthday today. pic.twitter.com/Jb90Qp6xbH
(Credit: The Filmy Funda Guy)
In his interview with Hindustan Times, the 'Jab We Met' actor shared, "... Everyone thinks that he is Pankaj Kapur’s son, so isko toh break mil gaya hoga (He must have got a break). But I have been rejected from 100 auditions. Sometimes, I didn’t have money to eat food or even go to the auditions. I have lived that life, and I don’t like talking about it. But that is my reality."
(Credit: shahidkapoor)
"My parents were actors, but they were not stars. So, they didn’t have any pull. I couldn’t understand who to meet, what to say, and what to do," he added.
During his struggling days, Kapoor acted in several television commercials alongside appearing in dance numbers. Also, he was featured in music videos, including one for Kumar Sanu. In 1998, he worked as an assistant director to his father on the television series 'Mohandas B.A.L.L.B'.
You know, whatever is meant to happen, will happen - sooner or later. Kapoor was spotted by producer Ramesh Taurani, who promised to launch him as a Bollywood hero. Obviously, the actor was keen to work with Taurani, and hence turned down a few offers that came his way, including N. Chandra's 'Style'.
Finally, in 2003, he made his debut with the teenage romance, 'Ishq Vishk' (directed by Ken Ghosh, produced by Kumar S. Taurani and Ramesh S. Taurani). The film was a sleeper hit at the box office and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. The rest - as they say - is history.
(Credit: Tips Official)
Notably, in that Hindustan Times interview, the actor said that when his first film, 'Ishq Vishk', worked well, he felt “meri lottery lag gayi hai (I have won a lottery),” adding, "I felt that an opportunity has come from nowhere, and God has given me something I never thought I’ll be able to achieve."
Happy Birthday, Mr. Actor. Thanks For Inspiring Us!
