My best is yet to come: Shahid Kapoor

Shahid Kapoor is getting ready for the release of his film Phata Poster Nikla Hero on September 20. The actor gets chatty about his film, director Raj Kumar Santoshi, and his constant link-ups, among others things

Tell us about your role and the film...

My character's name is Vishwas Rao, a young Maharastrian boy who only dreams of becoming a hero. But his mother wants him to be an honest cop. Everything about his life is filmy, larger-than-life. He gets stuck in this situation where he is mistaken as a cop. He has to fight baddies but he has to save his face too. He is a funny character and has a different style of handling things.

How was it working with Raj Kumar Santoshi, one of the senior directors in the industry?

He is amazing. After working with him for two days, I realised that all the actors who have worked him, including Aamir sir, Salman sir or Ranbir, have brought some of his expressions in front of the camera. When I watch Andaz Apna Apna or Azab Prem Ki Gazab Kahaani, I see so many expressions of his being enacted by the actors. I had completely surrendered myself to him because he is so good with comedy. He is such a dream director and I feel everybody should work with him.

Bollywood mostly functions in camps and you have never been part of any. You've never repeated directors nor have you been friendly with certain actors. How did you manage to survive?

This is one question that I repeatedly ask myself. I have no answer for it. Maybe I have been independent since age of 16. I have always worked independently. I have taken decisions which have surprised people. Sometimes these decisions have worked beautifully and sometimes they haven't. That is the person I am and I will never change.

Your last two films Pankaj Kapoor's Mausam and Kunal Kohli's Teri Meri Kahaani failed to create any magic at the box-office. With the kind of competition we are witnessing in the industry, doesn't it make you nervous?

Competition is not important for me. I like to compete with myself. I think there is lot of talent out there and I think everybody will find their own place. Only one thing matters to me and that's the audience's love, appreciation and applause. If the audience doesn't appreciate your work, you feel empty. The effort I have put in this film will cover up my last two films.

Why is it that Shahid Kapoor is always in the news for his link-ups? Is it some kind of PR mechanism?

I think every actor in this industry is fed up with the fact that people are more interested in their personal life and less in their professional life. I have no answer for it. The answer lies with those who make up these stories. Personally, I am used to it and it's something that an actor has to learn to deal with. It's not comfortable sometimes, but you can't help it. Life is not perfect always.

Do you feel that you are one of the underrated actors in the industry and have to still get your due?

I feel whatever comes to you comes at the right time. I am lucky to be where I am today. When I started, I did not get a grand launch because I did not come from a filmy family. My parents wouldn't have helped me meet producers and directors. I did not have directors standing in front of my house to sign me. I therefore feel lucky to achieve whatever I have got. I have done some good films and some bad ones. When I have done good work, I was appreciated and when I failed, I got kicked. My best is yet to come.

I have been working for 10 years and have learnt a lot. It was important for me to learn those things. I believe that you learn more from your failures than your success. I was watching Aamir Khan's interview somewhere and he said, What is written in your destiny, nobody can take it away from you' and he was right. My right time will also come. Right now, I am happy working hard and doing good films.

How is Rambo Rajkumar shaping up?

Mind blowing and I love Prabhudeva. He is superb with the kind of films he does. I had a blast doing the film. It will also release this year.

There were reports of you signing Milan Talkies. Is it true?

I have been offered the film by Balaji Productions and I am considering it. Nothing has been finalised yet.