Shahid Kapoor, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actors, has once again grabbed headlines as he gears up for the release of his highly anticipated film, Deva. Slated to hit cinemas on January 31, Deva promises to showcase Shahid in an action-packed avatar as a police officer, sharing screen space with Pooja Hegde, Pavail Gulati, and Kubra Sait. Directed by Rosshan Andrrews and produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur, the film has already created a buzz among fans.
In the midst of promotions for Deva, Shahid recently opened up about a significant phase in his career during an interview with entrepreneur and podcaster Raj Shamani. Reflecting on the time before his career-defining performance in Kabir Singh, Shahid revealed he faced moments of self-doubt and vulnerability.
“Before Kabir Singh, I went through a phase where I felt lesser—not just as an artist but also as a star and as an individual,” Shahid candidly shared. “Nobody forced me into it, but circumstances made me feel that way. I was made to feel as though I wasn’t enough. But I fought it. I’m a survivor.”
Shahid elaborated on the challenges of being in a comparative industry, explaining how situations can sometimes amplify feelings of inadequacy. “It’s like someone’s clothes are better than mine. You’re in close proximity, and life plays out in a way where you feel lesser. It’s nobody’s fault; I’m not blaming anyone. But that was my experience, and I refused to accept it.”
This period of introspection and determination marked a turning point for the actor. Shahid’s portrayal of Kabir in Kabir Singh (2019) not only silenced his critics but also cemented his position as one of the leading stars in the industry. The film’s blockbuster success brought him both commercial acclaim and the recognition he had long deserved.
Before Kabir Singh, Shahid had proven his acting prowess in critically acclaimed multi-starrers such as Padmaavat, and Rangoon. However, he admitted that it was Kabir Singh that truly reinstated his confidence.
Now, with Deva, Shahid Kapoor is ready to enthrall audiences once again. Playing a tough-as-nails police officer, Shahid’s new role is set to showcase his versatility and commitment to delivering compelling performances.
