As he readies for the release of Kismet Konnection, Shahid Kapoor talks to us about films, relationships, travelling and what he does when he is tired of working.Shahid, what’s your Kismet Konnection?I think my Kismet has done always been there for me. If my first movie Ishq Vishq wouldn’t have done well, I would not be here. Luckily I got my break: a movie which had an entirely fresh cast but did well. And I think for a year I’ve done well: Vivaah, Jab We Met… And I hope my Kismet stays with me in Kismet Konnection also!
So when else in your life has Kismet helped you?
You know it wasn’t as if I auditioned once and got a role. I gave 50 perhaps 60 auditions before Ishq Vishq happened to me. After that also, I didn’t have many hits. It’s only in the last year that things have really happened. So perhaps my Kismet is finally changing! But really, it’s your hard work which comes out as Kismet.
Are you seeing Sania Mirza?
I don’t think I should talk about my personal life.
So she is not your friend?
She is my friend. If you go out with your friend, people say you’re dating her. So don’t I have the right to go out with my friends? We go out for a coffee, we went out for a movie. But that doesn’t mean that we are seeing each other. Everyone has a personal life. If I am a celebrity it doesn’t mean that my life is open to all.
There was rumour of a relationship between you and Vidya. If you were not seeing each other, why didn’t you spell it out?
Because I didn’t feel the need to. These are rumours and if I clarify everything it will affect my work. We both knew that it wasn’t true - and that’s it.
When you first heard about this in Toronto how did you and Vidya react?
Shocked at first but then we were laughing. It was a little embarrassing to begin with; I think it happens if you are a known face.
We don’t see you in parties and events, is there a special reason for this?
Yeah, I was busy with my work, shooting and all that. Whenever I get time off I stay home. I love my home. I don’t go out much and I’m not at all a party person. Acting is my professional life. And going to a party is my personal life.
How have you managed to stay out of controversies?
(Laughs) Controversies are now my shadow, I think. They’ve never left me alone. But to stay silent is the best way to stay out of the controversies. And I will tell you very frankly half the controversies are false, media-raised. And I don’t think I should reveal my personal life to anyone except my parents.
Kismet Konnection was mostly shot in Toronto, how did you keep in touch with your family?
Yes, Toronto stretched for 60 days but we had a good time. I missed my family very much and kept in touch with them via mobile. But Aziz uncle is like s father figure he never let us feel that we were away from family or relatives. The whole crew became friendly - from spot boy to cameraman to me and Vidya - that we enjoyed ourselves.
We know that you love to travel, what are your favorite destinations?
Anywhere in Europe. I have visited most of the countries in Europe from Italy, France, Russia, Turkey, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. I just love the place. I love the combination of greenery and old architecture.
What’s the best part of being a Hindi film actor?
For me, I love acting and I think not everybody gets to do what they want for a living. I love acting and am lucky to get what I want. From childhood, I’ve only ever wanted to become an actor. And being an actor in Bollywood I think is best for getting what’s called a “big fan following”.
What’s the worst part?
Lack of privacy.
You are known for your dancing, so how much do you practice?
Earlier when I was in Shiamak’s troupe I did it daily but now before a shoot, I practice for a couple of days. Dancing is my hobby.
What has your father Pankaj Kapoor taught you on being an actor?
He’s taught me to learn what I’m doing. It’s not that an actor’s son will also act well. So first learn it, prove it to yourself and then prove to the world that you are capable.
Some time back you were in the news for not talking to Salman Khan. What was that about?
Seriously speaking I don’t remember. So no comments.
And we’ve heard that Bipasha neglects you. Have you had a fight with her.?
No, she didn’t neglect me at all. Rumors rumors rumors ….. We know each other. I can’t say that she is my friend but we know each there professionally. I don’t have any problem with her.
Tell us something about your new projects?
Right now I am shooting for Vishal Bharadwaj’s Kaminey and Ken Ghosh’s Star. I was so busy that I was shooting for two films at a time and doing the promotions for Kismet Konnection at the same time. But I don’t get tired because I love working.
So what do you do when you ARE tired of your work?
i just hit the gym! Do some exercises; it’s the best way to get out of stress, then taking a hot shower and a good night’s sleep.
