Shahid Intervieww!!

Priyadarshan's "Chup Chup Ke" banks heavily on the screen chemistry between Shahid Kapur and Kareena Kapoor, but Shahid refuses to consider that the sole criterion for the film's success.

"Kareena and I are only part of a film. The script, the characters and the music also contribute to a film's success," said Shahid, talking candidly about girlfriend Kareena.

"We are both young and single. We are lucky to be doing films together... that way we get to spend a lot of time with each other. But our careers are still priority, as both of us want to excel in our work."

When asked what he loves most about Kareena, Shahid said: "The way she wears her stardom and success... very casually!"

Excerpts:

Q: Once again you are paired with your girlfriend, Kareena Kapoor in "Chup Chup Ke". Aren't you apprehensive about it ending up as "Fida"?
A: Remember Kareena and I are only part of a film. The script, the characters and the music also contribute to a film's success. In that way, I am very confident about "Chup Chup Ke". It has shaped up really well.

Q: For the first time you have worked with Priyadarshan in the film. What was the experience like?
A: Priyadarshan's forte is comedy, which is not loud or slapstick, but situational. Since it was something I had never attempted before, I was so nervous on the first day that I actually sweated.

It's my first film with him. It took me a few days to adjust to his style, but after that I was fine and started enjoying working with him.

Q: How different is it from Priyadarshan's other films?
A: You have seen Priyan's successful comedies - "Hulchul", "Hungama", "Malamaal Weekly", etc. But this one is a romantic comedy. It's a love story with loads of comedy.

Q: You seem to enjoy comic roles...
A: Action, romantic... I love doing all types of roles. Each is challenging in its own way.

Q: Tell us about Sooraj Barjatya's "Vivaah" and Ahmed Khan's "Fool And Final"?
A: "Vivaah" is a quaint romantic film while "Fool..." is an action flick. I think I am lucky to be working with so many big names and so many genres so early in my career.

Q: Kareena and you are quite open about your personal life...
A: Why not? We are both young and single. We are lucky to be doing films together... that way we get to spend a lot of time with each other. But our careers are still priority, as both of us want to excel in our work.

Q: What do you love most about Kareena?
A: The way she wears her stardom and success... very casually!

Q: And is marriage on the cards?
A: Presently I have only work on my mind!

Q: What is the real Shahid like?
A: I am a very simple and down-to-earth person. I am a vegetarian who loves to gorge on Mumbai roadside food!

Q: How do you find the audiences abroad?
A: I have done shows in Britain, the US, South Africa, Malaysia and other countries. Since the people there do not get to see us so often they get very excited and are terribly enthusiastic. It is very gratifying to perform for them.

Q: What is your message to your fans abroad?
A: Enjoy all my films!