Vishal is my Scorsese: Shahid Kapoor

While he features in Vishal Bhardwaj's ambitious Rangoon and Abhishek Chaubey's gritty Udta Punjab - two of the most talked about films of the year, Shahid Kapoor is gearing up to slip into another role, of that of a parent, with wife Mira Rajput this September.

The 35-year-old actor is clearly in a happy place. Currently promoting Chaubey's drug-drama, he recently wrapped up VB's next, which, he admits, was a tiring project. "I tell Vishal that he is my Martin Scorsese. He has given me some amazing opportunities. Rangoon is quite different from everything he and I have done in the past," says Shahid who plays an army officer in the Casablanca-like love story.

He is equally taken in by his rockstar act in Udta Punjab, for which he had to undergo intense physical training for three months to acquire the desired look. "When I read the script for the first time, it felt like the character leapt off the pages and punched me in the face. I need him to do the same to the audiences. For that, I needed a certain physique. We started out with tattoos - 14 of them - all handpicked. There is a story behind each one. Then, my character Tommy Singh needed to look larger-than-life even though he is a drug addict. So we worked towards an aggressive, depleted look," he explains.

According to reports, he and co-star Kareena Kapoor were really awkward around each other at the film's trailer launch recently. "If two people are standing on a stage and talking and some guy decides to say that they looked awkward, I can't help that kind of interpretation or over-analysis. I think we were fine. If somebody wants to find some masala to write about, God bless them," Shahid says shortly.

Udta Punjab recently ran into trouble with the Censor Board for its excessive use of swearing and portrayal of drug abuse. "We are hoping for the best. It's on course and not banned as is being reported," Shahid clarifies, adding that he hopes people will understand the larger message instead of focusing on "the minute things". "I am being optimistic. Haider got released. I felt extremely proud of our country and the fact that we can talk about issues," he asserts.

Shahid and missus Mira take on the role of first-time parents this September. The actor is understandably excited. "Right now, it's all about what's coming, the anticipation. I have been reading up on pregnancy and parenting on this really cool app that Mira downloaded for me," he smiles.

The grapevine has it that his kid brother, Ishaan Khattar, is gearing up for a Bollywood debut. Does he, as a big brother, dole out tips? "It's the other way round," Shahid reveals with a chuckle, adding that the 20-year-old is the responsible one between the two, and Shahid is often at the receiving end of the guidance.

Meanwhile, he refutes rumours of him doing Anees Bazmee's Aankhen 2 and Vikramaditya Motwane's Bhavesh Joshi and confirms that he won't be returning to judge season nine of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. "It's difficult to be critical of people. But it was a fun experience. Besides, I have too much going on this year," Shahid confides, adding that given the reach of the medium, he'd love to return if something exciting comes his way.

Speaking of difficult things, how did he cope with the failure of Shaandar? He admits to being disappointed. "It's painful when something in which you've put a lot of yourself doesn't do well. There's a huge vaccum for a certain period of time. But then, I have had enough failures by now to be a pro at dealing with them," he signs off.