The critics may not be very happy with Kismat Konnection but the audiences love it! What is Shahid Kapoor’s response to the critics? “I do films for audiences. There are certain subjects that appeal to the audiences more than the critics.” He adds, “I am never really going to make a film for an individual, or to please a reviewer. A critic, after all, is just an individual.”
Kismat Konnection marks Shahid’s third consecutive hit after the success of Vivaah and Jab We Met. According to Shahid, “Kismat… was a much larger release than Jab We Met. The perception that it has not done well is created because of the reviews. In due course, the figures will start coming out and you will know. My earlier film, Vivaah got terrible reviews but it ran for 48 weeks. Audiences don’t bother about reviews, beyond a point. It is more about audiences waiting for your film to release.”
Many have said that his ‘lover boy’ image prevents him from doing different roles. To this Shahid replies, “I plan to be around for 20 more years. I can’t undo the fact that I am just 27. Youngsters connect with me and I must use that to my advantage,” he says. But is his ‘lover boy’ image in danger because of newcomers like Imran Khan, Harman Baweja and Ranbir Kapoor? “If people like me they will come to see me, irrespective of who is around. It doesn’t matter how old you are. Audiences have an individual relationship with each actor. You have to build that relationship where they are curious to see your next film,” responds Shahid like a true star.
He also says, “I watched Saawariya and Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na and I think both Ranbir and Imran are very good. I [have] yet to watch Love Story 2050.”
The biggest criticism he received from the audience was that he looked younger than his co-star, Vidya Balan. Did that bother him? “Absolutely! I take all criticism very seriously. I will work harder next time,” he says. So will he choose a younger looking heroine next time? “That’s not my call. It’s the director’s call. I don’t think I am in a position to decide who should be cast opposite me,” signs off Shahid.
