Shahid Kapoor

Shahid Kapoor is an Indian film actor who works predominantly in Hindi cinema, also known as Bollywood. Along with a few music video appearances and advertisement campaigns, he has an extensive filmography which includes his spectacular performance in films like ‘Haider,’ ‘Kaminey,’ ‘Jab We Met,’ and ‘Udta Punjab.’ From playing uncredited roles in movies like ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’ and ‘Taal’ to ruling the film industry, Shahid has come a long way. In fact, he is currently one of the most sought-after actors in Bollywood. As an actor, he is known for his versatility and ability to perform various kinds of roles with precision. Despite having his share of flops, Kapoor remains one of the most popular film stars in India. He has received three ‘Filmfare Awards’ for his work in Bollywood. Besides acting, Shahid has also hosted award ceremonies. He has also appeared as a judge in the dance reality show 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded.'

Shahid Kapoor was born Shahid Khattar on 25 February 1981, in New Delhi, India. He is the son of veteran actors, Pankaj Kapur and Neelima Azeem.

He has two brothers, Ishaan Khattar and Ruhaan Kapoor, and a sister named Sarah Kapoor. When Shahid was three years old, his parents separated, and he stayed back with Neelima.

He studied at ‘Gyan Bharati School’ till class four, before he was shifted to ‘Rajhans Vidyalaya’ in Mumbai, where he moved to live with his step-mother Supriya Pathak. He developed a passion for dancing at a very young age.

In order to follow his passion, Shahid joined ‘Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts’ (SDIPA). He enjoyed fame at a young age when he was featured in a music video titled ‘Aankhon Mein.’

After the release of this video, Shahid developed an interest in acting. He appeared as a dancer in movies like ‘Taal’ and ‘Dil To Pagal Hai.’ Later, he appeared in a few commercials for brands like ‘Pepsi,’ after being spotted in an audition.

Shahid’s first screen appearance was for the commercial of a health drink when he was 11 years old. Years later, he appeared in a ‘Pepsi’ commercial alongside Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee, and Kajol.

He got noticed for the first time when he appeared in a music video for the band ‘Aryans.’ But even after that, Shahid faced rejections because of his lean structure and boyish looks.

Shahid made his acting debut in 2003 with the film ‘Ishq Vishk’ and won a ‘Filmfare Award’ under the ‘Best Male Debut’ category for his performance. After the film’s release, Shahid started landing roles in romantic films. His mannerisms as an actor were compared to that of Shahrukh Khan, who is often considered the ‘King of Romance.’

From 2003 to 2006, almost all his films bombed at the box office. After the failure of films like ‘Dil Maange More,’ ‘Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi!,’ and ‘Fida,’ Shahid was seen as a one film wonder.

He then bounced back with two back-to-back hits, ‘Vivah’ and ‘Jab We Met,’ in 2006 and 2007 respectively. Both the films earned him awards and nominations. During this period, Shahid took up robust and meatier roles in an attempt to change his image as a romantic hero.

In 2009, he was seen in Vishal Bhardwaj’s film ‘Kaminey.’ Shahid surprised his critics with his unusual role in the film. His performance was considered his best till date.

He was paired opposite Sonam Kapoor in Pankaj Kapoor’s directorial debut ‘Mausam.’ The film tanked at the box-office.

Vishal Bharadwaj then presented him with one of the most important films of his career. They both collaborated again for the 2011 film ‘Haider,’ a brilliant adaptation of Shakespeare's ‘Hamlet.’ Vishal’s ability to bring out the best from his actors worked in favor of Shahid.

In 2016, he became part of the most controversial movie of his career, ‘Udta Punjab.’ Being in the news for all the wrong reasons, the film was initially banned for its violent and abusive content. The film was also in the news because it extensively displayed drug consumption in different parts of Punjab.

After all the fuss, the film reached the audience. Even though Alia Bhatt outshined him in the movie, Shahid’s performance as a cynical drug addict rock star was appreciated by many.

In 2017, he acted alongside Kangana Ranaut and� Saif Ali Khan in the movie ‘Rangoon.’

Shahid Kapoor was seen playing the Rana of Mewar ‘Raja Rawal Ratan Singh’ in Bhansali’s epic movie ‘Padmaavat,’ which released in 2018. The movie also starred Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh. Later that year, he also starred in the movie ‘Batti Gul Meter Chalu.’

In 2019, Kapoor starred in ‘Kabir Singh,’ a remake of Telugu romantic drama ‘Arjun Reddy.’

Ishq Vishk – After a series of rejections, Shahid landed a role in this Ken Ghosh-directed romantic flick. Shahid played a popular college student named ‘Rajeev,’ who is smitten by the new hottie in college ‘Alisha.’ Released on 9 May 2003, this film was a treat to college-goers.

Vivah – This romantic drama, directed by Sooraj Barjatya, proved to be fruitful in Shahid’s career. His on-screen chemistry with Amrita Rao was already a hit, thanks to ‘Ishq Vishk,’ and this film proved to be successful for both of them. Based on the journey from engagement to marriage, this movie was the highest-grossing Hindi film at the time of its release. The film hit the theatres on 10 November 2006.

Jab We Met – Paired opposite Kareena Kapoor, Shahid’s performance in this film was appreciated by the critics. The story revolves around a depressed and failed businessman, ‘Aditya Kashyap,’ who later becomes a lively person after bumping into a talkative Sikh girl named ‘Geet.’ The film received overwhelmingly positive reviews when it released in theatres on 26 October 2007.

Kaminey – Shahid impressed the audience with two contrasting characters that he played in this dark comedy. The movie saw him in double role, portraying the characters of lisping ‘Charlie’ and stammering ‘Guddu.’ He played both the characters with ease and displayed his versatility as an actor. His acting in the film was highly appreciated. The highlight of the film was his perfectly toned body. ‘Kaminey’ was released in theatres on 14 August 2009.

Haider – The film is an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play ‘Hamlet.’ It was shot in the breathtaking valley of Kashmir. The movie narrates the story of ‘Haider,’ played by Shahid, who finds out that his peace-loving, life-saving doctor father has been arrested by the Indian Army. Post its release on 2 October 2014, Shahid won many accolades for his spectacular performance.

Udta Punjab – This film created a stir in Shahid’s career as it was blocked by the Censor Board. After becoming a victim of video piracy, the film was finally allowed to release on 17 June 2016. Shahid’s role as rock star ‘Tommy Singh’ was much appreciated and his power-packed performance kept the audience glued to the screen till the end.

Kabir Singh – ‘Kabir Singh’ is a remake of the Telugu film ‘Arjun Reddy.’ It grossed more than ₹379 crore at the box office, becoming the second-highest grossing Bollywood film of 2019. It was also criticized by many as the lead character, portrayed by Shahid, displayed male chauvinism.

Awards & Achievements

Filmfare Award (2004) – Shahid won his first ‘Filmfare Award’ under ‘Best Male Debut’ category for ‘Ishq Vishk.’

IIFA Award (2008) – He received the ‘IIFA Best Actor’ award for ‘Jab We Met.’

Rajiv Gandhi Award (2009) – Shahid was honored with this prestigious award for his remarkable work in ‘Kaminey.’

Filmfare Best Actor Award (2015) – Shahid won the ‘Filmfare Best Actor Award’ for ‘Haider.’

Filmfare Award (2017) – He won the ‘Filmfare Award Best Actor (Critics)’ in 2017 for the movie ‘Udta Punjab.’

Shahid's first love was Hrishita Bhatt, with whom he was seen in the Aryans' music video. After his break-up with Hrishita, he started dating Kareena Kapoor after meeting her on the sets of ‘Fida.’

Shahid and Kareena parted ways during the filming of ‘Jab We Met.’ Thereafter, the actor was linked with many actresses like Priyanka Chopra, Vidya Balan, and Amrita Rao.

Shahid Kapoor had an arranged marriage with Mira Rajput, who is 13 years younger to him, on 7 July 2015. The couple is blessed with a daughter named Misha Kapoor, born in 2016. Their son Zain was born in September 2018.