Shahid Kapoor talks about life and relationships, says Mira is "the stricter parent"

What does one say about an actor who has won hearts with his dance, his adorable smile, his on-screen flair, and his infectious charm? If that wasn’t enough, Shahid Kapoor is every bit the perfect husband to Mira Rajput and a doting father to his tiny tots Misha and Zain. He is the quintessential family man and it just makes one wonder how he effortlessly manages to do it with swag, confidence, and utmost sincerity—words that have been associated with the actor for years now. 

In an exclusive interview with Cosmopolitan India, Kapoor gets candid about the things he loves the most—family, films, and fashion. Read on.

Cosmopolitan India: You made heads turn at the Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion Tour. What excited you the most about it and how was it different from anything you've done before?

Shahid Kapoor: It was a tour and not a show, and that in itself was a new concept. It saw some really cool designers take up different themes including Indian, street style, culture, and so on. It’s always exciting to bring these things (tours) together because fresh ideas come out of it. I loved walking for Falguni Shane Peacock. We had never done this before. I have loved their work for a while. The theme was streetwear and graffiti and it was a great opportunity for us to collaborate. Dizzy (Kajal Kumari), who did the graffiti, is fantastic. I was amazed at the work she did on the stage. 

Cosmopolitan India: What was your first reaction on knowing that you were going to be part of the tour?

Shahid Kapoor: I was like, ‘Yeah, let’s do it’. 

Cosmopolitan India: What would happen if Aditya from Jab We Met, Haider and Tommy Singh meet?

Shahid Kapoor: Well, Aditya would be quiet, Tommy Singh would be doing all the shouting, and Haider would be thinking—should I say, or not say?

Cosmopolitan India: How do you motivate yourself to go to work on days you just don't want to?

Shahid Kapoor: I think I’ve reached a place where I really want to (work). Ek toh meri shaadi ho gayi hai, toh mujhe kaam pe jaana accha lagta hai. Nahi toh laat pad jayegi ghar se. (Since I’ve gotten married, I like going to work. Else I’ll get a scolding from home). I don’t go to work if I am not motivated because I have a lot at home to look forward to. I want to give time to my children, my family, and my wife. I only do stuff that I feel strongly for. Of course, you have days when you’re tired, but I am never demotivated. 

Cosmopolitan India: You've played several characters that exhibit flaws, making them seem very realistic. Which flawed character of yours do you love the most and why?

Shahid Kapoor: I like all of them. They all have a bit of me in them. I can’t choose; it’s like choosing between kids. 

Cosmopolitan India: You have such a calm personality, how do you prepare to exhibit aggression in your projects?

Shahid Kapoor: You have to channel it, right? You can’t experience everything that you need to express, especially as an actor. You need to channel it from somewhere. I think we all have different types of emotions within us and we choose to be the version of ourselves that we want to be most of the time. Sometimes, people are unable to be who they want to be and are dealing with who they are. That’s a different kind of scenario. You have to exercise channelling. And if you love what you’re doing, and are committed to it, you’ll find a way.

Cosmopolitan India: You are one of the most stylish actors in Bollywood. How much effort do you put into dressing up? 

Shahid Kapoor: I think my team puts in a lot of effort. I’m very instinctive. It’s not like I think all the time about what I want to wear. It all depends on my mood and what I feel is going to be fresh for me. I think you should wear what you feel is good for you. A lot of times, you see people doing something and think you should do the same, but it might not work for you. I like to do what works for me and express my mood and my personality the best. 

Cosmopolitan India: What outfit do you love and what is something that we will never find you wearing?

Shahid Kapoor: I love a good suit. Once you think you’re a man, a suit is something great to have. I like being in one. Anything loud does not appeal to me. I would never want to wear something which shouts ‘give me attention’. There’s nothing wrong with wearing it, but it’s not me. I prefer to be slightly understated; that’s my personality. 

Cosmopolitan India: What is your love language? 

Shahid Kapoor: I usually express it (to Mira) by saying ‘okay’ to whatever she says and apologising every time I screw up. Just keep it simple—say sorry, okay and I love you. 

Cosmopolitan India: What are the non-romantic romantic things Mira does for you that make your heart melt?

Shahid Kapoor: It’s always the small things. I feel that in a long-term relationship, it’s the small things that happen every day that always make the difference; because if somebody is thinking about the small things for you, you know you matter. 

Cosmopolitan India: Does being in the public eye ever impact your choices as a couple and with the kids?

Shahid Kapoor: I think my kids will grow up to be cool kids. My relationship with them is what they see of me in person. What they see of me on-screen or as an actor doesn’t need to be what I am with them. I think, once they grow up, they will understand this. I understood it with respect to my parents. Kids are not always going to be kids. You got to respect them and let them figure it out. 

Cosmopolitan India: What is your favourite activity to do with your children or as a family? Who is the stricter parent, you or Mira?

Shahid Kapoor: Pillow fights and eating cheat food—that’s basically everything that tastes good. Mira is definitely the stricter parent.  

Image courtesy: Instagram/ShahidKapoor