Basic Information
Name - Shahid Kapoor
Date of Birth - February 25, 1981
Nationality - Indian
Profession - Bollywood Actor and Dancer
Spouse - Mira Rajput (m. 2015)
Parents - Pankaj Kapur, Neelima Azeem
Siblings - Ishaan Khatter, Ruhaan Kapoor, Sanah Kapur
Social Media Links:
Instagram: @shahidkapoor
Twitter: @shahidkapoor
Biography
Shahid Kapoor, born on 25 February 1981 in New Delhi, is a celebrated Indian actor known for his work in Hindi cinema. Initially recognized for his romantic roles, Kapoor later transitioned to action-packed and thriller genres, earning widespread acclaim. Over the years, he has received numerous accolades, including three prestigious Filmfare Awards. The son of renowned actors Pankaj Kapur and Neelima Azeem, Shahid’s early life was shaped by his parents' separation when he was three. He stayed with his mother and maternal grandparents in Delhi, developing a close bond with his grandfather, a journalist for the Russian magazine Sputnik. His father, who had moved to Mumbai and remarried actress Supriya Pathak, would visit him only occasionally during his childhood. Shahid later relocated to Mumbai with his mother, where she remarried actor Rajesh Khattar. From his parents’ subsequent marriages, Shahid has three half-siblings: Ishaan Khatter, Sanah, and Ruhaan.
Kapoor’s interest in dance emerged early, leading him to join Shiamak Davar’s dance institute at the age of 15. As a student, he worked as a background dancer in notable films like Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) and Taal (1999). His captivating stage performances gained him recognition, and he eventually became a dance instructor at the institute. Kapoor’s first brush with mainstream media came when he unexpectedly landed a role in a Pepsi commercial alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji. He also featured in advertisements for brands like Kit Kat and Close-Up and appeared in music videos, including Aryans' “Aankhon Mein Tera Hi Chehra” and Kumar Sanu's tracks. Additionally, Shahid worked as an assistant director to his father on the television series Mohandas B.A.L.L.B. in 1998.
Shahid made his acting debut in 2003 with the romantic comedy Ishq Vishk, which became a sleeper hit and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. However, his career initially faced setbacks with several commercial failures before he starred in the family drama Vivah (2006), which became a box-office success. His breakthrough came with acclaimed performances in Jab We Met (2007), where he portrayed a troubled businessman, and Kaminey (2009), where he played twin brothers. His roles in Haider (2014), a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and Udta Punjab (2016), where he portrayed a troubled rock star, further solidified his reputation as a versatile actor. Both roles brought him Filmfare Awards for Best Actor and Critics' Choice Best Actor, respectively.
Kapoor achieved massive box-office success with films like Padmaavat (2018), a period drama, and Kabir Singh (2019), a romantic drama that became his highest-grossing film. In recent years, he made his digital debut with the crime drama series Farzi (2023) and continued to showcase his range with the romantic comedy Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024). Outside of acting, Kapoor supports various charities, hosts award shows, and served as a judge on the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded in 2015. He is married to Mira Rajput, with whom he has two children, and continues to be an influential figure in Indian cinema.
Career Timeline
Key Milestones
2003 - Bollywood debut with Ishq Vishk; won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.
2006 - Starred in Vivah, a blockbuster romantic film.
2009 - Delivered a dual-role performance in Kaminey, earning critical acclaim.
2014 - Played the title role in Haider, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, winning numerous awards.
2016 - Gave a gritty performance in Udta Punjab, addressing substance abuse issues.
2019 - Starred in Kabir Singh, one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films.
Achievements
Awards & Recognition
Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut (Ishq Vishk, 2003).
Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor (Haider, 2014).
Best Actor Awards from various institutions for Udta Punjab and Kabir Singh.
Records/Stats:
Kabir Singh grossed over ₹375 crores worldwide, becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Consistently recognized as one of Bollywood’s best dancers.
Philanthropic Work:
Shahid is an advocate for children's education and health. He has supported NGOs like Save the Children and Make-A-Wish Foundation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shahid contributed generously to relief funds and participated in awareness campaigns.
Key Quotes / Catchphrases
“Dance is my first love; acting is my passion.”
“Growth is painful, change is painful, but nothing is as painful as staying stuck where you don’t belong.”
“Work hard in silence, let success make the noise.”
Multimedia
Gallery:








Videos/Interviews:
Shahid Kapoor Interview with Sneha Menon Desai | Bloody Daddy | Film Companion
Shahid Kapoor Interview | 'Knew the female part was strong in Jab We Met' | SRK comparison & more
Facts/Trivia
Before acting, Shahid appeared in advertisements, most notably for Pepsi alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.
He is a vegetarian and was named PETA’s Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity in 2011.
Shahid married Mira Rajput in 2015, a non-filmy personality, breaking Bollywood norms.
His half-brother, Ishaan Khatter, is also an actor.
Shahid’s love for bikes is well-known, and he owns a collection of high-end motorcycles.
Impact/Legacy
Shahid Kapoor’s journey from a background dancer to one of Bollywood’s leading actors showcases his relentless passion and dedication. His ability to portray a wide range of characters—from a brooding prince in Haider to a flawed but intense lover in Kabir Singh—has inspired aspiring actors to push boundaries.
Beyond cinema, Shahid’s humility and grounded nature make him a relatable figure for his fans. His philanthropic efforts highlight his commitment to giving back to society, ensuring his influence extends beyond the screen.
Shahid Kapoor continues to redefine Bollywood stardom, proving that talent, versatility, and hard work are the true markers of success.