Premium

Shahid Kapoor says he didn’t grow up with father Pankaj Kapur around him: ‘From a young age, I felt like man of the house’

Shahid Kapoor started working as a model and background dancer at a very young age. In an exclusive conversation with the SCREEN, he shared how his parents being in the profession didn't make his own journey easier.

Shahid Kapoor with his parents Pankaj Kapur and Neelima Azeem. (Photo: Shahid Kapoor/Instagram)

Actor Shahid Kapoor started his career as a lead star with the 2003 film Ishq Vishk. Despite having actors Pankaj Kapur and Neelima Azeem as parents, Shahid Kapoor considers himself as an outsider, who had to struggle for his first film. In a recent conversation with SCREEN, Shahid Kapoor shared seeing his mother raising him single-handedly post her divorce with his father prompted him to start working at an early age. Neelima Azeem was just 22 when she gave birth to Shahid Kapoor. Three years after his birth, Neelima and Pankaj divorced.

Sharing his bond with his mother, Shahid Kapoor said, “My mom was quite young when she had me. We were more like friends. My mom always took me wherever she went. And the fact that I was her first and elder son, somewhere I used to feel very responsible. In my case, I didn’t grow up around my father. So at such situations, you don’t see your age but feel like, ‘I am the man of the house’. Of course, at that time, I didn’t have too much to offer, but I had the courage to stand up for my mother. I always felt very protective and loving towards my mom. Our bond was different. She always treated me like a friend, and I think that was the best thing between us. We continue to share the same bond.”

Shahid appeared in a music video at 18 and also featured in ad campaigns along with working as a background dancer in several films, including Aishwarya Rai-starrer Taal.

Story continues below this ad

Sharing his dedication to work from such young age, Shahid revealed, “I think because both my parents were super achievers, I just wanted to prove myself and wanted to do something substantial in life. I didn’t want to waste my life.”

He added, “I think it also came from the fact that my mom was a single parent and I didn’t want to burden her with my expenses so the only thing that ran in my head was that ‘I need to start making money’. I wanted to support my mom since the age of 14-16. She was single-handedly taking care of everything. I want to be able to participate and contribute and if not more, I at least need to take care of my own expenses. So it all started there.”

Shahid always wanted to do good at whatever he took up as his career, but he didn’t know what it would be.

ALSO READ | Shahid Kapoor says he lost self respect, dignity in past relationships; heartbreaks taught him who he can ‘tolerate’

Story continues below this ad

He shared, “A lot of times people simply think that I became an actor because my father is one. But, that’s not the case. Yes, he is an actor, but I never stayed with him. I did want to try that career, but never knew if it will pan out for me. It was destiny that made it happen for me.”

He added, “My first music video or ad shoot just happened out of the blue. I never earned it. But when this happened, I followed it seriously. However, my single minded agenda was to support my mom, who was working very hard.”

After his debut with the 2003 film Ishq Vishk, Shahid featured in many films that flopped at the box office. He gained recognition in 2006 with the Sooraj Barjatya film, Vivah. Later, he starred in Imtiaz Ali’s Jab We Met, followed with movies like Haider, Kaminey and Chup Chup Ke, which made him a bankable star.

Currently, he is gearing up for his action-thriller Deva, which is all set to release on January 31.

Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.

Trump's efforts to facilitate Ukraine's weapon supply come as he has signaled his displeasure with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump sets August 8 deadline for Ukraine-Russia peace deal, US tells UN

World1 hr ago

Trump has set a new deadline of 10-12 days for Russia and Ukraine to reach a ceasefire and lasting peace. Talks in Istanbul have yielded little progress, with Trump expressing frustration and threatening sanctions if a peace agreement is not finalised. He is prepared to take additional measures to secure peace and has shifted his tone towards Putin.

View all shorts

More Entertainment

Entertainment Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 first impression: Smriti Irani-Amar Upadhyay's show has the same sanskaars after 25 years, when will Tulsi evolve?