Shahid Kapoor Opens Up About Father's Wisdom and Artistic Integrity on Bombay Times Lounge
In a candid and revealing session at the Rustomjee presents Bombay Times Lounge, celebrated actor Shahid Kapoor delved deep into the philosophical foundations that have shaped his illustrious career. The event, which drew fans from across the country, saw Kapoor reflecting on the early advice from his father, veteran actor Pankaj Kapur, and his unwavering commitment to portraying characters that are flawed, unsettling, or misunderstood.
The Haunting Advice from Pankaj Kapur
When asked about the instinct to disrupt his own image by shifting from romantic leads to complex, grey characters, Shahid Kapoor credited a single piece of advice from his father. "My dad told me, 'If you want to chase the path of being an actor and not just a star, your endeavour should be to play characters in a way where no two characters are similar to each other,'" Kapoor revealed. He described this thought as both haunting and torturing, yet it has become the driving force behind his career choices. "It's difficult to play a different character every time, but it was so true and simple that I couldn't walk away from it," he added, emphasizing that this philosophy pushes him to express humanity in diverse ways.
Embracing Fear and Craft in Challenging Roles
Kapoor admitted that certain roles, such as his portrayals in Udta Punjab and Kabir Singh, initially scared him due to their demanding nature. As a vegetarian who has never consumed alcohol, playing an addict or alcoholic presented direct challenges. "That is where your skill and craft come in," he explained, highlighting the necessity of learning and performing experiences outside his own life. He dismissed fears of being misunderstood by audiences, arguing that viewers are intelligent enough to separate actor from character. "They know this is a script. If you achieve making people dislike you for a character, that's when your craft as an actor is at its height," Kapoor stated, defending the artistic value of polarizing roles.
Finding and Protecting His Creative Voice
Reflecting on his journey, Shahid Kapoor asserted that he has always been territorial about his creative instincts. "I never felt I needed to find my voice. I just needed to find opportunities to express myself," he said, noting that while his intent was strong early on, maturity and craft have since refined his abilities. He urged fellow artists to protect their creative energy from critique, emphasizing that the ability to create is special and should not be undermined by external opinions.
Zen-Like Calm and Internal Work in His 40s
When questioned about his noticeable calmness in his 40s, Kapoor laughed off the "zen-like vibe," admitting to many un-zen moments off-camera. He shared a favourite saying: "The only water that can sink the ship is the water that's inside the ship, not the ocean around it." This metaphor guides his efforts to react less and respond more, especially as a parent. "I don't want my children affected by the ups and downs of my journey, so I do a lot of internal work to not let it spill over," he explained, underscoring the importance of emotional stability in a high-pressure industry.
Concerns and Hopes for the Evolving Film Industry
Discussing the shift from star-driven cinema to content-driven storytelling and the rise of OTT platforms, Kapoor expressed excitement but also worry. "I'm scared that we're only making one type of movie for theatres, and audiences watch others only at home," he said, calling for more genre diversity in theatrical releases. He advocated for fearless filmmakers and actors willing to collaborate on clear, innovative projects, cautioning against choices driven solely by trends. "Sometimes being fearless can be like a rebel without a cause," he noted, stressing the need for purposeful creativity.
Parenting and Creating Normalcy Amidst Stardom
On parenting with wife Mira Rajput Kapoor, Shahid emphasized keeping their children away from the limelight to foster a sense of normalcy. He contrasted his own humble upbringing with their current reality, stating, "What they are born with is their destiny." Kapoor and Mira focus on providing love, support, and correction when needed, while allowing their children to discover their own journeys. "We are always here, regardless of everything," he affirmed, highlighting their commitment to balanced parenting.
The full episode of the Rustomjee presents Bombay Times Lounge with Shahid Kapoor is now available on the Bombay Times YouTube channel, offering further insights into his thoughts on art, life, and the evolving entertainment landscape.
