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Mumbai: Reflecting on his early days, star kid Shahid Kapoor says he has built his career in the industry without using his father Pankaj Kapur’s name.

Calling his journey in Bollywood “an accident”, the actor, said, “My career was an accident—whether it was dance or acting.”

Shahid shared on the Punjab First Voice podcast how his early income came from dance classes.

“I was interested in dance while growing up, so I took classes. My mentor liked my dancing, and that became a source of income,” he revealed.

Talking about the unexpected leap into acting, he continued, “I had accompanied a friend to an audition, and the ad makers liked me. They made me audition, and I landed a Pepsi commercial with Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji. That opened doors, and work started pouring in. Nothing was planned.”

Clearing the air about nepotism, Shahid said, “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. I was too young when my parents divorced, but you do feel the void. I think many people can relate,” Shahid said frankly.

Two decades into his career, the actor wants to ensure his children grow up with their own sense of identity rather than looming in his shadow.

Reflecting on what it means to separate celebrity from family, he said, “It’s been 22 years, so now I try not to bring my work home. Once I’m back, I take on the role of a father, husband, and son. You shouldn’t bring your professional life or stardom into your personal space.”

Speaking warmly about fatherhood, the actor revealed that his fatigue after hectic shooting schedule disappears the moment, he’s with his kids.

“Whenever I am with my children, I cherish that time. There’s no point feeling tired, and even if I do, they’re my children — they’ll understand. Tomorrow when they grow up, they’ll know,” Shahid said.

“I don’t think it’s right to burden kids with their parents’ dreams,” he said. “People should have their own identity and not just be ‘someone’s son.’ I strongly believe many Indian men couldn’t excel because they were weighed down by their fathers’ expectations,” he articulated.

Speaking about his bond with wife Mira Rajput, Shahid said, “Mira is very supportive. She understands most things about me and has made a rule that when we are at home, we don’t discuss work. It’s very rare that we talk about films.”