Exclusive Interview: “It Used to Take Two to Two-and-a-Half Hours Every Day to Apply Full-Body Tattoos,” Says Shahid Kapoor

By Shantiswaroop Tripathi

Shahid Kapoor is one of those actors who always prefers speaking with complete honesty. While answering questions, he never dodges or makes excuses and believes in putting forward his views clearly on every subject. Currently, he is excited about his upcoming film O Romeo, which is set to release on February 13. Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, the film stars Shahid Kapoor alongside Triptii Dimri. There has been a lot of discussion around the film—some calling it a gangster film, while others labeling it as excessively violent. Let’s find out what Shahid Kapoor himself has to say.

Here are some key excerpts from Shahid Kapoor’s exclusive conversation with Mayapuri…

After ‘Kaminey’, ‘Haider’ and ‘Rangoon’, ‘O Romeo’ is your fourth film with Vishal Bhardwaj. After three films together, what kind of tuning developed between you two that made you feel like working with him again, even after a gap of seven years?

Laughing, Shahid Kapoor said, “It’s true that we came together again after seven to eight years. The reality is that if Vishal sir offers something, I will definitely listen to it. But when we met this time, we both were very open-minded. He has his own career journey and I have mine. Sometimes things align, sometimes they don’t. Everyone has their own personal journey. When we met, we were very relaxed. We decided that if we enjoy it and feel like working together, only then will we do it. But the moment Vishal sir finished narrating the script, I immediately extended my hand and said, ‘Let’s do this film.’ While listening to the script, I felt that this film deserved to be part of my filmography.

I had decided a few years ago that I don’t want to do experimental films anymore. I want to do good films that can reach a larger audience. Some subjects have a niche audience, while others can connect with a wider section of viewers. With this subject, I felt it had the potential to reach a wide audience. If made well, people can relate to the story, connect with the emotions. The story is authentic and fresh, and the emotions are real yet accessible. And with Vishal sir as the director, saying yes didn’t take long.”

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What was that one aspect of the story that impacted you so strongly that you agreed to the film the moment the narration ended?

The love story, Shahid said. “I really liked the love story. Also, the character Vishal sir was offering me felt exciting. It’s dark, edgy, and at the same time has a lover-boy element. The character is both dark and funny. I felt it would be a lot of fun to play.”

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After watching the teaser and trailer of ‘O Romeo’, some people are calling it a gangster and violent film. What do you have to say about that?

The backdrop of the story is definitely that of a gangster, and my character does look like one. But I would say this is a 90s gangster love story. Everyone knows that Vishal Bhardwaj’s cinematic world is unique and slightly quirky. The film has drama, but it’s also quirky. It is scary, romantic, and emotional—all at the same time.

When you play intense characters like Kabir Singh or Hussain Ustra, do you completely get into the character? And how do you detach yourself afterward?

Earlier, such characters used to affect me a lot—when I was younger and less mature. But after working for 22–23 years, you develop a process. Once the shoot is over, I don’t think about the film or the character much. I come home, and I have my family—my wife and children. I don’t want my work to affect my kids. I don’t carry the character’s mind space home with me anymore.

However, somewhere deep inside, a journey of that character remains. Meera has often told me that when I start working on a new film, she can sense that I’ve entered a different zone or mood. There might be a slight influence, but once the shoot ends, work ends. I don’t like spending too much time holding on to it.

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Have your kids ever said anything about it?

I don’t think my kids even know which film I’m working on at what time. I prefer keeping them away from all this. They have their own world. For them, I just want to be their dad.

‘O Romeo’ is releasing on February 13, around Valentine’s Day—a celebration of love. But your film is dark and violent. What kind of message do you want to give through this film on Valentine’s Day?

(Laughs) Valentine’s is a good week. It’s not like we are trying to give a message. It’s a very entertaining and fun film, and at heart, it’s a love story. But we are also honest about the world the story is set in. The love shown in the film is very strong. I think it’s the right film for Valentine’s Day. If audiences accept its world, it will be a refreshing experience.

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After ‘Paathshaala’, this is your second film with Nana Patekar. How was the experience?

“Yes, working with Nana Patekar during ‘Paathshaala’ was great. I was speaking to him just today. I told him, ‘Sir, our chemistry is very sexy.’ Working with him is a lot of fun. He is a brilliant actor. When the camera starts rolling and he begins performing, you not only enjoy working but also learn so much. I’ve been watching him since childhood. We have some very interesting scenes together in this film.”

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This is your first time working with Triptii Dimri, and your chemistry is being widely discussed. How did the ice break between you two?

For a long time, we didn’t get a chance to talk much because of the kind of scenes we were shooting. Eventually, we started talking about the film. She’s a very good actor, and her character is quite strong. Honestly, the female character in this film is very powerful. She’s got a great opportunity and has worked very hard, with complete dedication. I enjoyed working with her. This is our first pairing, and I’m eager to see how audiences respond to her character.

While preparing for a character, how much do you draw from your real-life experiences versus imagination?

Emotions have to be real. If emotions look fake on screen, people won’t believe them. Apart from that, reading the script, life experiences, observing different kinds of people during your journey, learning from cinema, books, and real life—all of it helps. Observation is extremely important—whether it’s observing performances or people in real life. Taking that information and projecting it emotionally on screen is the craft. This ability can’t really be taught; it can only be polished.

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So what about the acting schools mushrooming everywhere?

It’s a business. We all go to schools, right? From the same school, one child becomes an IAS officer while others don’t. Training schools teach you the basics, but beyond that, it’s your talent, your hard work, and your destiny.

Hussain Ustara belongs to the 1990s. Did people really get tattoos back then?

(Laughs) “Watch the film and you’ll understand. Tattoos have existed for a very long time—it’s authentic.”

Tattoos usually reflect a person’s mindset. What does Hussain Ustra’s tattoo say about him?

If I reveal everything now, what will you watch in the film? Vishal sir didn’t even ask me so many questions. Watch the film first, then ask.

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