I am nervous while acting in front of my father: Shahid

Bollywood’s chocolate boy Shahid Kapoor, who stunned critics with his breakthrough performance in Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘Kaminey’ has not signed any project this year. The actor is reportedly directing all his time and energy on his father’s directorial debut ‘Mausam.’ However, the very though of acting in front of his father petrifies Shahid as he adds, “It’s a very scary thought."

Spicezee Bureau

Mumbai: Bollywood’s chocolate boy Shahid Kapoor, who stunned critics with his breakthrough performance in Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘Kaminey’ has not signed any project this year. The actor is reportedly directing all his time and energy on his father’s directorial debut ‘Mausam.’Talking to a news daily, Shahid, who is on a sabbatical and has no other big project at hand said, “All I can say is, faith makes all things possible. That`s why it`s called a leap of faith. I was working 20 hours a day till the 20th of January. I was working insanely. When I woke up on the 21st I had no work to go to. Initially, I felt a sense of freedom. Then immediately it was followed by panic...what do I do with myself? I’ve become an insomniac and started tweeting at 4 am. I don’t feel tired. I feel I haven’t earned the right to rest. And I don’t know what to do with myself!” The actor is quite upbeat about not having any big project as he said, “Everytime I’ve sat at home without work it has worked for my career. I did it before ‘Vivah’ and before ‘Jab We Met.’ While I’m being directed by my dad I’d like to learn in every department. I want to learn about cinematography, choreography and direction. Most of all I’d learn a lot about acting from my dad. I want to try and absorb from him.” However, the very though of acting in front of his father petrifies Shahid as he adds, “It’s a very scary thought. But in life you’ve to face challenges. Of course, there’s anxiety and fear about acting in front of my father. I quite often think I’ve given a decent performance. And then when I hold a trial show for my father all the confidence crumbles. I remember this one time when we were shooting for ‘Jab We Met’ near Khandala. Dad dropped in and was watching me on the monitor. And I just couldn’t give my shot! I actually had to tell my dad to leave. I tactfully told him to proceed, and I’d join him for lunch. He immediately understood. And my next shot was okay.” Clarifying the reason behind staying away from any plum project throughout the making of ‘Mausam’, an emotional Shahid said, “It’s a film very close to my heart because after 35 years of acting, dad is finally directing a film. After being the best actor in the country (that’s what I believe him to be), he has decided to make a film with me in the lead because he wants to project me in a certain way. It’s a huge sacrifice for someone who does so little work as an actor. The least I can do is to be there unconditionally for him during the time that he makes the film.” Shahid, it’s time to make papa proud!