Well, there are a lot of actors in b-town who just make their name big courtesy several factors like commercial appeal, huge background, launched or promoted by lavish filmmakers, etc. No doubt they are good artistes but they become overrated with span of time. And then there is someone like Shahid Kapoor in the industry who has been there for more than a decade now and still he's a hot property in block. Amazing looks, top notch acting skills, astounding moves, fine physique, sharp personality, you name it and it's all there in this fabulous Bollywood performer. But things have never been easy or cake walk for him. The talented actor has had a mixed bag of journey where he's witnessed both highs and lows equally. Started off well way back in 2003 with the sleeper hit 'ISHQ VISHK' he wooed many and instantly made a place in our hearts, especially of all girls'. For this movie, he bagged the filmfare award as well as all other awards for best newcomer that year. After this confident and positive beginning, Shahid struggled to make a mark for next few years via a number of flops, although his performances in those duds were somehow lauded. He tasted his first huge cinematic glory with VIVAH which came as a pleasant amazement. The movie not only earned plenty at the ticket windows but has managed to get a cult status for itself, being considered as one of the most endearing family dramas of all time. Shahid as Prem in this Sooraj R Barjatya jewel, was loved by all cine viewers. This portrayal of Prem has become indelible over the years. Next JAB WE MET happened, and the rest is history as they say... It's one of the best romantic comedies ever made in Bollywood. Shahid again shone with an assured, mature act in the movie and his chemistry with Kareena is still afresh in people's mind. I mean who doesn't love this gem? Who doesn't adore 'Geet-Aditya'? Then two years post Jab We Met, we all experienced the real side of actor Shahid in the iconic caper, 'KAMINEY'. His performance as twin brothers (Charlie & Guddu) was a tough task to pull off yet he did it so convincingly that whoever before was not his admirer started praising him like anything. His value as an artist escalated thanks to this terrific Vishal Bhardwaj crime flick. Both the movie and his performance were tagged the best of that year by many critics, news publications and other medias. He won couple of awards for best actor for the same including the coveted Star Screen Awards. Everybody came to realize that Shahid was not merely a good looking star having boyish charm anymore but a remarkable celluloid performer too. However post KAMINEY, inconsistency halted this shining actor's path as his dream project MAUSAM turned out to be a fiasco even though his performance in it was commendable. Similarly his next two releases didn't help the cause either. Both TERI MERI KAHAANI & PHATA POSTER NIKHLA HERO entered Shahid's way to be declared pits only. But this tough phase didn't break the actor's confidence or passion at all. His next R... RAJKUMAR came as a blessing which gave the actor the much needed commercial recovery. This massy entertainer did pretty well in single screens and the audiences loved Shahid's action, one liners and unmatched dance to a great extent. But the best thing to have ever occurred in the journey of this fine actor happened in 2014 with HAIDER. It was quite a risk that Shahid took, his role was way too much challenging, perhaps the hardest onscreen part for any performer to play. But Shahid showed to the world what he's capable of. Vishal Bhardwaj is a director who always trusts his mettle and expectedly Haider proved to be a milestone in Shahid's career. This classic Shakespeare adaptation was both a critical and financial winner. All went gaga over Shahid's phenomenal performance in the movie. Moreover he swept every best actor award that year including the glorious filmfare trophy. Various notable moviemakers garnered loads of adulation to this skillful actor. He became the talk of the nation and grabbed limelight all over again. Haider did such magic to Shahid. Indeed it is an 'Once In A Lifetime' masterpiece. After this golden period, Shahid again faced failure with SHAANDAAR becoming an universal debacle. But then hits & flops are part and parcel of any actor's life. Talent matters and Shahid has ample of it. He just needs to pick his movies wisely. And it seems so as he's gonna be next seen in realistic drama based on drug abuse 'UDTA PUNJAB' directed by Abhishek Chaubey and followed by Vishal Bhardwaj's magnum opus 'RANGOON'. Also he has signed a film with Vikramaditya Montwane titled 'AK vs SK'. All 3 release this year. Expectations from these are sky rocketed and certainly a few more epic performances from Shahid are on cards.
You like Shahid Kapoor or you don't, but you gotta admit that he has made a nice place in our cinemas on his own. He's not overrated unlike many of his contemporaries are. He's not been that commercially viable as of now but surely has become an actor who can impart brilliant acts when given solid roles. He has moreover built an image which can impress both classy as well as massy film-buffs. Some may criticize him for not being continuously steady or not giving regular boxoffice delights. But then how can you not hail a self-made actor like Shahid who despite all hurdles and hard patches is still existing quite brightly in Bollywood. He's still getting strong roles, still enjoys good fan following. He has a committed fanbase known as 'Shanatics' who invariably root for the actor every time. Thus, love him, hate him but certainly nobody can ignore this powerhouse of talent. He may or may not be your favorite but is definitely someone who can't be devalued. Probably the only actor in his age group who is loved by all generations of people. That's Shahid Kapoor for you! And he's gonna have a long and memorable career run in coming years. Believe That!
