Shahid Kapoor on Taking Risks in Cinema, ‘Repetition Gets Boring’

Shahid Kapoor has spent over two decades in the film industry, evolving from a romantic hero to taking on complex, layered roles. From Haider to Kabir Singh, he has consistently chosen characters with depth, and his upcoming film Deva is no exception. Stepping into yet another intense and intriguing role, Shahid continues to push the boundaries of storytelling. He believes cinema is much more than just entertainment—it’s about depth, risk, and artistic expression. Reflecting on his journey and the essence of filmmaking, Shahid shared his perspective on why storytelling is at the heart of great cinema.

Commenting on the similarities between the layered characters he has played and his upcoming role in Deva, Shahid shared, “Cinema is not just about laughter and songs. Of course, entertainment is essential—you need to give people a great time. But at its core, cinema is about storytelling. And in a story, the central character doesn’t always have to be the simplest, nicest guy. That would get boring after a while. I’ve been working for 21 years now, and if I had just kept doing the same thing over and over again, this room would be empty—you’d all say, ‘Shahid, koi nahi aaya.’ You can only keep people engaged—and keep yourself excited—by exploring, taking risks, making mistakes, and digging deeper. Cinema is an art form, and while audiences may not always realize it, it’s the artistry that keeps them captivated. They might come in expecting something light or predictable, but what truly holds them for two and a half hours is the story, the characters, the emotions, the relationships, the complexities, and the unexpected moments. That’s what makes cinema raw, pure, and unadulterated in its most amazing form.”