Shahid: From Vivah to superheroes

[ar]

After the success of Vivah last year, one would expect Shahid Kapur to continue with the solo hero act. But come June 1, the actor will be seen sharing screen space with Sunny Deol, Vivek Oberoi, Paresh Rawal and Ayesha Takia in Fool N Final.

So is he playing safe by acting in multi-starrers?

"It is not like that," says the actor. "In 1970s and 1980s, this trend was followed in Hindi films like Amar Akbar Anthony as well. In Hollywood too, you have films like Oceans 13 starring an eclectic mix of actors from George Clooney to Brad Pitt."

[ar]

Shahid's career started with a bang with his debut film, Ishq Vishk. But a lean period followed, and none of his films clicked at the box office.

Critics were ready to dismiss him as a one hit wonder when he redeemed himself with Sooraj Barjatya's Vivah last year.

Now, the actor is picking his films carefully. "I am 26 years old now," Shahid says. "I have a long innings to play and therefore, I am doing one film at a time."

Why Fool N Final? "It is interesting film where we play superheroes intent on saving the world only to make fool of ourselves!" he exclaims.

[ar]

But is the audience ready to see him as an action hero?

"I am discovering that for myself too," Shahid laughs. "It is too early for me to know whether they will accept me in action or comedy films. After Vivah, I realised that there is nothing more important than public opinion.

"It is difficult to judge a film solely on the script. You never know whether a film will work or not," he adds. "When I did Vivah, people said it was an outdated film and the critics were ready to write it off. Now, Vivah is a big hit and has completed 25 weeks in theatres."

[ar]

Shahid claims that he always discusses with dad Pankaj Kapoor and girlfriend Kareena Kapoor before signing films.

"We respect each other's professional decisions," the actor says, adding that Kareena and he do not interfere in each other's work. The couple will be seen together in a film to be directed by Imtiyaz Ali of Socha Na Tha fame.

Asked why he agreed to work with 'flop' director Ahmed Khan (who has helmed the big flop Lakeer), Shahid says, "The same allegation could have been made against me before Vivah. It is only post Vivah that things started looking up. Moreover, Ahmed and I are friends for the last 15 years."

[ar]

Speaking of his heroine, Ayesha Takia, he says, "I did a film with her called Dil Maange More, so I am very comfortable with her. She is a great co-star to work with."

After recent successes of small-budget films like Khosla Ka Ghosla and Bheja Fry, Shahid feels that new doors have opened for the film industry.

"New doors are opening for us and I'm really happy with this trend," Shahid says.

As of now, his future projects include a film by Aziz Mirza opposite Vidya Balan, and another one featuring his father to be directed by Raj Kumar Santoshi.