Shahid's Image Makeover

Shahid Kapoor talks about the chocolate boy image he hopes to shed with Kaminey's release

IF change is fast becoming a constant in Bollywood, rewriting first impressions is what most actors hope to do. Especially when a clich sets in. But a reinvention in the early years of one's career is a hard gamble, one that Shahid Kapoor is willing to play.

With Vishal Bhardwaj's Kaminey, he's only too eager to shake off his chocolate-boy tag, an attempt he began with his grimacing act in 2007's Jab We Met. The August release will have Kapoor play a local goon in a double role. "My image doesn't bother me so much but Kaminey is indeed hugely different from what I've done before. And I am hoping that it will make people see me differently," he says, as he gears up for a photo shoot.

Kapoor entered the industry at a very young and gawky 17 where he was a part of the musical troupe in Taal. That, of course, is pass and today, he does have a respectable women following, a must for actors of his genre.

Yet the actor admits he misses his lost candour.

"Those times were different. I miss the innocence of being here without knowing exactly what I was doing," he laughs his killer dimpled laugh, adding, "Honestly, I don't like the way I look now." Surprisingly, despite the credentials that he enjoys today, the actor's critical of himself.

"I don't often watch my work, but when I do, it's with objectivity. I usually find myself saying, 'Oh god! What did I do and why did I do that!' But then I'm really glad that I started young and received such acceptance this early in my career."

So is his perception as Mr Goody-Two-Shoes what he is real life too? The 27-year-old frowns: "I think there are too many people inside me. I'm discovering many sides to myself now ' there are days when I am quiet and there are days when talkative. But I'm usually a correct-face person."

He's also a proud biker; he owns a Yamaha MT 01 that he zips across city roads in wee hours. "It gives me a sense of liberation, some time with myself and takes me away from the daily madness," he reveals.

Kapoor finds himself more uninhibited on-screen, but has become more guarded as an individual given all the controversies he forever finds himself amidst. "I like to draw a line between personal and profession life but often am not given that liberty. I think I have smartened up to be more guarded in the way I am."

So we don't mention Priyanka Chopra, despite stories of their romantic involvement. But has his previous break-up turned him into the recluse he is often called? "I'm not someone who can make best friends or relationships every Friday. I share beautiful work relationships with many people. As for my personal life, I've known most of my close friends for 20 years. And I don't make friends unless it's a relationship for keeps."

All of the above is open to interpretation. Maybe just the way he desires it.

https://www.indianexpress.com/news/image-makeover/477821/2

But I like chocolate boy Shahid, haye.

haaye mera kamina😍

Aw so cute i love his other image but change is good and love his views on relationships..and his career is just getting better and better.

I dont knw why..but every interview i read of his i fall deeper and deeper in lvoe with him..can never comment on his interviews as they are jsut sooooo cute and perfectly answered...love the guy and hope kaminey brings his career to unimaginable heights..hes the best..tfs