Shahid Kapoor, the acclaimed Bollywood actor known for his transformative performances in groundbreaking films like ‘Haider’, ‘Udta Punjab’, ‘Kabir Singh’, and ‘Farzi’, has recently opened up about the philosophical framework that guides his selection of cinematic roles. In a candid revelation, the actor shared how a perspective from Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio fundamentally reshaped his approach to choosing characters and projects.
Shahid Kapoor Finds Inspiration in Leonardo DiCaprio's Methodology
During a recent interview on the popular platform Prakhar Ke Pravachan, Shahid Kapoor delved into the thought process that now drives his career decisions. He recalled reading an insightful interview with Leonardo DiCaprio that left a lasting impression on him. "I read a very interesting interview of Leonardo DiCaprio where he said if 'I read a script for the first time and when I know what’s to be done with the character I say no, because it’s within my comfort zone, when I don’t know what to do is when I am interested'," Shahid recounted.
The Bollywood star found this approach profoundly compelling. "I found it very interesting that it must be outside your comfort zone. Sometimes I’m able to do it, sometimes maybe I’m not but that’s an inherent desire to be able to climb a new peak and not to go back climbing same peak because I can climb it," he explained. "It’s about exploration and that fear of the unknown."
Applying the Philosophy to Upcoming Film 'O Romeo'
Shahid Kapoor demonstrated how this philosophical approach manifests in his current work, particularly in his much-anticipated upcoming film ‘O Romeo’, directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj. The actor emphasized that working with Vishal Bhardwaj always represents a creative journey, but the real challenge lies in bringing fresh interpretation to written material.
"With Vishal sir it’s always a journey, having said that you have to find and look ways to doing something new because what’s written is written by the writer," Shahid elaborated. "What is written differently if I perform it the way I always perform it will seem different as fundamentally it’s written differently so you’ll receive it as a story first which also happens with a lot of actors that they do similar actors and do different stories across different genres so they look like they’re doing different work."
The actor further distinguished between two approaches to acting: "But there are actors who’ll take the same genre and then do it differently and that’s actually your craft as you’re bringing something new to it – which is very exciting and interesting."
Praising Co-Star Triptii Dimri's Contribution
Shahid Kapoor also took the opportunity to praise his ‘O Romeo’ co-star Triptii Dimri, highlighting how crucial her role is to the film's narrative structure. He expressed genuine admiration for her dedication and the passion she brought to her character development.
"She is a very good actress, and her character is quite strong. I’m saying this honestly the girl’s role in this film is very strong," Shahid stated with evident respect. "She has got a very good opportunity, and she has worked very hard. She has put her whole heart into it. I really enjoyed working with her."
The actor expressed excitement about their on-screen collaboration, noting: "This is the first time our pairing has come together in a film, and I’m eagerly waiting to see how the audience accepts her character."
Shahid Kapoor's reflections reveal an actor constantly seeking growth and challenge, inspired by global cinematic icons while maintaining his unique artistic identity within the vibrant landscape of Indian cinema.
