'Keeping my kids away from what I do': How fatherhood shaped Shahid Kapoor's choices

In a career spanning more than two decades, Shahid Kapoor has cemented his place as one of Bollywood’s most dynamic and versatile actors. Starting off as a background dancer, Kapoor quickly rose to fame with his boy-next-door charm in romantic roles, but it was his bold choices in films like Haider, Udta Punjab, and Kabir Singh that enabled him to carve a niche of his own. Known for embracing complex, unconventional characters, the actor has consistently pushed the boundaries of his craft, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success.

The actor, who was recently in town for the star-studded IIFA Weekend and Awards in Abu Dhabi, talks about his ever-evolving choices, how fatherhood has shaped his journey, and the conundrum of balancing his personal and professional life.

Edited excerpts from an interview:

How do the next few days in the UAE look for you? What are you going to be up to?

Well, it's going to be hot. The weather is getting better now, but still very hot. But it's always amazing to be here. We were here a couple of years ago, for IIFA and we always hope to make sure to give people a really fun evening. It’s a chance to interact with people, do different activities, and visit new places, so it's always fun.

What are your favourite things to do, and hangout spots, in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?

To be honest, I always like being at the venue or in my room prepping before an event as big as IIFA. Either I want to be working, or I want to be resting. I love dancing and live shows, so even when others are performing, I just sit around and enjoy watching what they're doing. I really enjoy the process. I started as a dancer when I was 15 years old, so it feels nostalgic but also like I’m at home. I really enjoy that experience.

What’s the one thing you were looking forward to the most from the IIFA Weekend?

I really enjoy dancing, so I’d say going live and giving people a great time.

You started your journey as a dancer. Do you ever look back at that phase of your life?

I don’t really think about the past too much, but it comes up when I meet friends, colleagues, or people I've worked with. I've been doing this for about 20 years now, so I meet dancers, choreographers, filmmakers, and colleagues who I’ve collaborated with in the past. It comes up in conversations like that. But other than that, it's better to move forward and be in the moment.

What is one piece of advice that has stuck with you from that phase of your life?

I’ve changed a lot since that phase of my life, but I guess the advice would be to keep doing what you love. I think I’m still doing that—sticking to the basics, striving to be a better version of myself, staying humble and grounded, and keeping things simple.

Is there any advice you’d give to your younger self from that phase, the young Shahid?

I would say, ‘Expect the unexpected’, because life never turns out the way you think it will. It will always surprise you, and you should be happy with the surprises it brings. A lot of the time, we get caught up in wanting things to be a certain way, but the universe usually has a better plan than what we have in our heads. So just be open and accepting, and the best things will come over time.

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