Interview: Shahid Kapoor
By: Ashika Sengupta
He may not be an old dog just yet, but that doesn’t mean he can easily learn new tricks.
Shahid Kapoor might be a relatively newcomer to Bollywood – and a young buck overall – but he is already finding it a little difficult to keep up with new trends to please hipster moviegoers.
Yet, Kapoor sees nothing wrong with learning a few new dance moves. After all, he understands the evolving state of remaining relevant in today’s ultra-competitive Bollywood scene.
Already a stylishly good dancer, Kapoor had to take on a few new dance moves for his latest role as the lead in the upcoming release of Chance Pe Dance.
So what, exactly, was the new dance form he had to learn?
According to the film star, an American choreographer was brought in to teach him and his team the art of krumping.
Primarily westernized hip-hop moves, the former Kaminey star said learning new dance steps was a challenge but a common reality for Bollywood stars of his caliber.
“Dance is an important element of Chance Pe Dance,” Kapoor commented to reporters about his experience on the film. “Everyone knows I can dance, so we decided to surprise the audience by introducing a new style of dancing for which American choreographer Marty Kudelka was roped in. It is a challenge to unlearn and also learn something new.”
In krumping, Kapoor said incorporating the unique American-based hip-hop dance form was difficult to learn but part of an evolving Bollywood. Alas, he also felt mastering such dance moves on film will keep him up with the times and please his fans.
“The audience mindset has changed, and they want to see something new in each film,” Kapoor humbly said in his chat with reporters. “Actors, too, don’t like to repeat themselves. Kaminey brought me out of my comfort zone. Audiences should not have any reservations about seeing you in any kind of role. This is an ideal situation for every actor.”
Kapoor added the dance element was an integral part of Chance Pe Dance, which also stars Genelia D’Souza as the female lead and romantic interest.
In playing struggling actor Sameer Bahl, Kapoor added that the film not only highlights unique dance moves but also presents issues that most moviegoers could relate to.
“It is a story of struggle. It could be from any field,” Kapoor added. “Sameer is positive in life, and that’s what keeps him going. I can relate to Sameer because I was him five years ago.”
Directed by Ken Ghosh and produced by UTV Motion Pictures’ Ronnie Screwvala, Chance Pe Dance releases worldwide on January 15th.
