An Interview with Shahid Kapoor

Shahid Kapoor

You have become very selective and choosy when it comes to roles on Thursday.

Yes, I am only doing one film at a time and am giving myself time to do each film. The last three years I was a newcomer and could not afford to be choosy.

'Vivah', a love story by Rajshri films, directed by Sooraj Barjatya sees the pairing of Amrita Rao with you after three and half years in a real love story. How much are you looking forward to the film?

Very much. 'Vivah' is a classic love story replete with moments. It is beautiful and so difficult to make. Only Sooraj Barjatya could have made it.

How did 'Vivah' happen?

Honestly, it was like telepathy. My secretary, friends and I were naming ten films we love and Sooraj Barjatya's films were on everyone's list. My secretary called Zakiji at Rajshri and spoke to him and guess what, in a week I got a call from Rajshri saying I was called for Sooraj Barjatya's next film. It was a great feeling.

What was the feeling when you heard about the role?

I saw the film when Soorajji narrated the film to me. And it was a honour that they actually gave me the time and the chance to think about whether to say yes. It is a privilege working with him.

You are playing Prem essayed by Salman, Hrithik and Abhishek..

Yes, it is a honour and a responsibility. Prem is the embodiment of love and I have tried to play him in the way I interpret him. Sooraj ji does the homework of all of us. He tells us the character and the feel so well. I have tried to portray the character the way I see Prem and I am very glad Sooraj ji gave me the full freedom to do that.

Tell us about the 'Vivah' experience..

We were like one complete family. We enjoyed so much that I was very sad when we had to part. In fact, I was so used to playing carrom with Anupamji and my make-up man that I think I became a carom champion. (Pointing to a corner of his van) see, I still have the carrom board here!

You were quite a prankster on the sets....

It was fun. There was one time I got my make-up man who is quite dark to wear white paint and knocked on people's rooms with a torch in hand. It was great fun. I got expresion from fear to shock...Someone squealed to Amrita about my prank so she was not scared. But she still refused to come out of the room!!!!!

What are your expectations from 'Vivah'?

I quite like the film. And I want the audiences to feel the same.

With over ten of your releases already hitting the Indian cinescreens by the end of this year, there is a lot awaiting choosy Shahid Kapoor now. What can we expect from you?

I am open to any kind of script that excites me. Whether the director is new or old, it doesn't matter. What matter's is the script.