'I simply copied Rajkumarji's expressions'

Shahid Kapoor (PTI Photo).
Shahid Kapoor (PTI Photo).

One could say Shahid Kapoor rediscovered himself on stage. The actor showed a completely different side to him when he took the mike (IIFA in Macau). Be it comedy, mimicry or spoofing, he let go, not once allowing his co-host, Shah Rukh Khan, to dwarf him.

That, according to the actor, set the ball rolling to find the comic side in him as an actor. His next release, Rajkumar Santhoshi’s Phata Poster Nikhla Hero is a start in that direction. It will be followed by Prabhu Deva’s Rambo Rajkumar with Sonakshi Sinha, later this year. Despite a lukewarm 2012 (Mausam, Teri Meri Kahaani), Kapoor has signed big projects with Vishal Baradwaj and Milan Luthria and can’t wait to show off his acting chops.

More from him:

Phata Poster Nikhla Hero is an unusual title for a movie.

Yes, I loved it. Every hero would love to have a movie title like that. It’s so cool and exciting. I make a phaadu hero-like entry in the film. Having said that, my look is very regular and not stylish.

Give us a few clues.

I play a fake cop who is a wannabe actor, whose only concern is to protect his face in any situation. He is a reluctant fighter and keeps linking every situation with a film or its character. Like at the hospital when a nurse comes and tells him “Sir, Dr Vinod Khanna is waiting to see you” my character’s reaction is “Arre, Vinod Khanna kab doctor ban gaya?”

Was there a reference point for this role?

I didn’t need it as I simply copied Rajkumarji’s expressions. In fact, every actor who’s worked with  him is known to follow his expressions, like Aamir and Salman did in Andaz Apna Apna. It is one of the most endearing characters I have done in my career. Even during the narrations I used to fall on the sofa, laughing at his expressions.

What’s the best thing about doing comedy?

While hosting, I realised that you really need to be uninhibited to pull off comedy. I had to show off my dumb, stupid self and it felt great. But my friends aren’t surprised as they know this side of me. Comedy is actually the most difficult thing to do. Spontaneity is the key.

What is Ileana’s part in this ?

Ileana’s character is the reason why I land up in so many dicey situations. She plays a hyper social worker and has no idea of the consequences of her actions. This is the first time she is handling comedy but she has done a great job.

Who according to you does comedy best in Bollywood?

My dad, Pankaj Kapur, Amitabh Bachchan and Juhi Chawla. I would give my eye and teeth for the role of Joker in The Dark Knight.

When will we see a full-on dance movie from you?

Prabhu Deva ’s Rambo Rajkumar is one such film.

It is said that you still have a Shah Rukh Khan hangover?

Not anymore. I have completely eradicated SRK from my system. It’s totally Shahid now.

PPNH is scheduled to release on September 20

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