Actor Shahid Kapoor, who has been successfully travelling in the industry for over two decades now, points out that avoiding the set template for long-term success is necessary. According to Shahid, the vitality lies in continuously experimenting and staying away from comfort in cliches.

Starting his career as a romantic hero and then moving on to performing in darker, edgier films, Shahid admits that he never likes operating from a box office point of view, which is one usual criteria for many stars. He says, “I just don’t like doing the same thing again."At heart, I am basically creative. I had not taken up this job to make safe decisions or play safe. I wanted something new, some challenge every time.”.

Accepting failures as part of the journey, Shahid told Bollywood Hungama, “I am okay to fail; I don’t have any problem because it teaches you a lot.” He feels that in the industry, it is long-term growth that defines one’s career graph, and he keeps his thoughts beyond those short-term plans.

Recalling his debut film "Ishq Vishq," which called him "chocolate boy," a term he did not take kindly to, Shahid found it limiting. He desired to be regarded as an artist rather than for "visual gratification." He changed himself, enquiring after roles that went beyond superficial expectations.

Shahid, known for the dynamism of his roles to date, shares the advice that his father has been imparting when it comes to where he will derive happiness. Being a vegetarian, 'Beta, jis din acting karna shuru kar doge, sher ke muh me khoon lag jayega,' he adds with wit.

An upcoming film of the actor, "Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya," a romantic comedy with Kriti Sanon, is scheduled to be released on the 9th of February and promises yet another facet of his versatile career.