Shahid Kapoor shuts down nepotism claims; says, “I never asked my father for help, and he never made calls to get me work”

Shahid Kapoor, now more than two decades into his Bollywood career, has addressed longstanding assumptions about his entry into the film industry. The actor firmly dismissed claims that he became a Bollywood star because of his father, veteran actor Pankaj Kapur. Shahid clarified that his early life circumstances and personal choices shaped his journey, not any industry influence from his father. He pointed out that his parents separated when he was just three years old, and said Pankaj Kapur “never made calls” to help him land roles.

 

Shahid Kapoor shuts down nepotism claims; says, “I never asked my father for help, and he never made calls to get me work”

 

Speaking on the Punjab First Voice podcast, Shahid opened up about his family background, including the separation of his parents, Pankaj Kapur and Neelima Azeem. He emphasized that, despite what many believe, his acting career did not stem from being a star kid. “People think I am an actor because I am Pankaj Kapur’s son, but my parents separated when I was just three. I didn’t spend much time with my father, so nobody even knew I was his son, nor did I ever use his name. I lived with my mother. Things just fell into place for me. I never asked my father for help, and he never made calls to get me work,” Shahid said.

 

Reflecting on his early years, Shahid shared that his journey into films was never pre-planned. Although he was born to two actors, Pankaj Kapur and Neelima Azeem, he said acting was not a set path for him. As a teenager, he discovered a passion for dance, enrolling in classes that eventually helped him earn money. His shift toward acting was accidental he had accompanied a friend to an audition, where he was noticed and later cast in a Pepsi commercial with Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji. That opportunity became the turning point that led to further work.

 

Shahid also recalled the emotional impact of his parents’ separation. “I was too young when my parents divorced, but you do feel the void. I think many people can relate,” he said. After the 1984 divorce, his mother Neelima Azeem raised him alone before having another son, Ishaan Khatter, with actor Rajesh Khattar. Shahid was just three and a half when their family life shifted.

 

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