I haven't lost faith in love: Shahid

The past two years have been one roller-coaster ride for Shahid Kapoor — on a professional high in one instant, on a personal low in the next. Even in 2009, it is promising to see Shahid on a high, both personally and professionally. “Yes, life’s good and I am really enjoying this phase of my life,” says the actor.
After all, it’s hard not to be happy when you’ve been voted the youth icon in an online poll, got six films in hand and a bagful of endorsements. All that in spite of missing from the scene for almost a year now. “I’m all set to make up for my long absence. Being voted as a youth icon is both an honour and very encouraging too. The year has begun on a good note and I don’t want to look back at all,” says Shahid flashing a smile that convinces you that Kareena Kapoor’s indeed a thing of the past. And, never mind that, the duo only recently completed the dubbing for Milenge Milenge, the film that the two had shot when still a couple, Shahid insists he’s moved on and is happy for Bebo too.

However, what he’s not been able to put behind him are the rumours of numerous link-ups, the latest one being with hottie Priyanka Chopra, his co-star in Kaminey. “Well, what can I say? It’s very sweet of people to keep linking me up with somebody or the other. I think they just hate to see me single,” laughs Bollywood’s Prince Charming.

Has the past experience left a bitter taste? “Life throws googlies at you. You catch some, you miss some! But, I haven’t lost faith in love. I am like any normal guy. I would love to fall in love again. But, as of now, I am single,” Shahid sets the record straight. And adds quickly, “I would rather have people talk about my work.”

That shouldn’t be difficult considering his interesting line-up of work — Vishal Bharadwaj’s Kaminey, that sees him play a double role for the first time; Ken Ghosh’s dance film; Yash Chopra’s untitled where he’s paired opposite Rani Mukerji; Ahmed Khan’s Paathshala in which he’s done a cameo; and finally his dad Pankaj Kapoor’s directorial venture. “I am nervous about that one,” he says.
Looking fitter than ever before, and his shirt giving away the slightest indication of the eight-packs he’s been hiding under it, Shahid insists that it’s got nothing to do with hitching on the eight-pack bandwagon. “I’ve always been keen to experiment with my looks as well as my characters on screen, but it’s only of late, that I’ve finally got a chance to do so. And, I’m making the most of it,” says the actor, who’s unwary of moving away from his romantic hero-image.

The young heart-throb is also unfazed when it comes to competition that the new talent coming in every year brings with it, and the over-forty-six-pack-brigade that seems to have almost turned back time. “For me, the only competition every actor has is from his own self and his last performance. As long as an actor’s improving, he’s on his way up already. The seniors have set the bars so high that it’ll ensure that only the best and the most deserving make it to the top. So, more than pressure, it’s inspiring. And I’m really looking forward to this journey,” smiles Shahid. And, it looks exciting.

(Courtesy: The Times of India)