Shahid Kapoor speaks about his new film and the ‘Chance Pe Dance’ moment of his own life .
Shahid Kapoor fans have more reasons than one to celebrate. The release date of his latest film, ‘Chance Pe Dance’, is not just here, but the actor has finally confessed to being single.

Women who can’t stop drooling over his good looks should also be happy to know that the actor looks even nicer in real life than on camera. He is also quite friendly. So, not everything that we think we know about Shahid is probably true.

With the stereotype of a brooding recluse in my head, I went prepared to meet a man of few, carefully-chosen, words. Instead I found someone who had much to say during our chat at a suite in the InterContinental Dubai Festival City on Jan 13.

In town for a marathon session with the Press for the promotion of ‘Chance Pe Dance’, a super relaxed Shahid displayed no fatigue of his relentless run as he took the questions:

What makes ‘Chance Pe Dance’ special?

Ken [Ghosh] has told a simple story in a simple way. The film is also quite close to the way our own lives have shaped. Both of us could relate to the situations that are there in the film.

What does the phrase ‘Chance Pe Dance’ mean to you?

It is a very sweet term from the street-side lingo and has a very connectable meaning. I connected with it. Basically what it implies is that whenever you get a chance in life, grab it, because you never know where it might take you.

What was the ‘Chance Pe Dance’ moment of your life?

Doing ‘Ishq Vishq’. The film was full of newcomers. Its biggest star was music director Anu Malik. Its budget was 2 crore rupees, which is 10 per cent of the budget of ‘Chance Pe Dance’. It was a very, very small film and I didn’t know that I’ll be here because of it. I believe that you never know which opportunity will take you where in life, so hang on to whatever you get.

Now that you are in the big league, what do you miss the most about your struggling days?

I learnt a lot from my struggling days and that’s a part of my personality now. There isn’t anything particular that I miss, but there are lots of wonderful memories that are attached to that time.


Which is the most cherished memory?

It’s something that I keep teasing Ken about. He rejected me the first time he auditioned me. Now ‘Chance Pe Dance’ is his third film and he’s had me in all three.

What about the media reports of your tiff with Ken Ghosh?

I have got use to these reports and don’t take them seriously any more. Just before the release of a film I’m always said to have a fight with the director. Later we are seen smiling in a photo shoot and everyone forgets about the so-called fight.

You’ve just announced that you are ‘single and ready to mingle’? What took you so long to clear the air about your personal life?

I think I finally reached a point where I felt that let me say this so people would calm down.

Did you mean it?

I’ll never make a false statement.

You were very media-friendly initially, and then you turned a recluse.

I am still very media-friendly. I interact with the media very freely. But there are certain spaces that I’d like to keep private. I had a very public break-up. After that I thought it would be much better this way.

Does the intensive scrutiny of your personal life by the media bother you?

No, it doesn’t.

Your father is one of Bollywood’s most respected actors. How come you never banked on his connections?

Why should I? God has been very kind to give me recognition in my own space and I’m quite happy with that. I’m proud to be my father’s son and also proud of the fact that today I’m even getting the opportunity to be directed by him.

So is Pankaj Kapur’s ‘Mausam’ the next film you’ll be working on?

Yes, this entire year is dedicated to my film with dad. It’s a love story and I’m playing an air force pilot in it.

Who’s starring opposite you?

We haven’t cast yet.

Will the much-delayed Milenge Milenge and Paathshala release in 2010?

I’m sure they will. Then the Yash Raj film that I’ve just completed, directed by Parmeet Sethi with me and Anushka, will also come out this year.

You are extremely popular with the masala.com readers. What would you like to say to them?

It’s wonderful to hear that there are so many people who send posts for me. It’s a great feeling. I’ll try my best to connect with them as and when possible. I thank all of them for their unconditional support and wish everyone a brilliant 2010.

FIVE ON THE GO

Shahid takes a rapid-fire round of questions:

‘Jab We Met’ or ‘Kaminey’ – which film means more to you?

‘Kaminey’, because Vishal took that risk with me, it took a lot for him as a director. I’ll always be grateful to him for that.

Which director tops your wish list?

Raju Hirani. I am a huge fan.

Which role are you itching to play?

All the characters in Raju’s films… Munnabhai, Circuit, Wangsuk Bangdu.

Your own top 3 films?

‘Ishq Vishq’, ‘Kaminey’, ‘Jab We Met’.

Which social networking website can fans find you on?

Twitter. My ID is @shahidkapoor.

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