5 Path Breaking Films Of Shahid Kapoor That Maps His Inspiring Journey In Bollywood

16 years ago, Shahid Kapoor was first introduced on the big screen in 2003 with Ishq Vishq. Since then, the actor has transformed himself profoundly through various roles which require a level of maturity and evolution.

From being widely known as the chocolate boy of Bollywood, Shahid Kapoor is now an undisputed superstar, a versatile actor whose films has changed the face of cinema. Here are 5 path-breaking films of Shahid Kapoor that maps his inspiring journey in Bollywood.

"I’m an actor at heart. It’s probably the biggest part of my life. When I’m not working I feel I’ve had a loss of identity; like I don’t know who I am. I’ve given 11 years of my life to this and probably all of my adulthood. I don’t know who else I am. This is me," Shahid Kapoor on his acting career in an interview in 2014.

Ishq Vishk (Love Romance - 2003)

Shahid Kapoor made a big bang debut in Bollywood in Ishq Vishk which then give the actor Best Debut Male Awards by Filmfare. Ishq Vishk is a romance film that can tug your heartstrings from the very first frame to the last.

The film centered around the love story of childhood friend Rajiv (Shahid Kapoor) and Payal (Amrita Rao). While the film received nods from both the audience and critics, Shahid was also praised for bringing raw intensity to his role that few newcomers can pull off so easily.

Ishq Vishk's trailer

Jab We Met (2007)

Jab We Met marked an important milestone in Shahid Kapoor's career after an off-peak period since his first big hit Ishq Vishk. In Jab We Met, the actor played the role of a troubled businessman who is on the self-discovery path to find the purpose of his life. Jab We Met won him Filmfare's Best Actor trophy by his authentic portrayal.

Haider (2014)

Shahid Kapoor always refers to Haider as one of the toughest films in his career and it was indeed a crucial breakthrough in 2014. Despite the actor's film flop in the past, it's was Vishal Bharadwaj who placed trust in the Jab We Met actor again.

Shahid Kapoor then proved that he definitely aces in playing the nuanced character like Haider Meer who seeking for revenge. The Bollywood star also made history with Haider as the film became the first Indian film to win the prestigious People's Choices Award at the Rome Film Festival.

Udta Punjab (2016)

It's undeniable that controversial film Udta Punjab is one of the most unforgettable performances of Shahid Kapoor on the silver screen. Playing a drug addict singer, the subtle strains of sensitivity that the character displayed were very convincing.

However, the Central Board of Film Certification cited that the storyline and the background of the film might be too vulgar for most of all audience. Henceforce, 89 screenplays were removed from the initial version when it was released in the cinema.

At the 62nd Filmfare Award, Shahid Kapoor then brought home the Critics Award for Best Actor.

Udta Punjab's trailer

Padmaavat (2018)

Even though being the controversial film in the Indian cinema, Padmaavat at the same time made history in the box office of one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. The actor, however, admitted that he took the biggest risk when starring the film.

"It was one of the biggest risks of my career to take a role like this where for one-and-a-half years nobody knew what it is... So many people had told me why are you doing this film. I knew my character is an underdog in the film, I'm happy that the hero of the film is getting so much love," Shahid Kapoor talked about his character in Padmaavat.

Playing Maha Rawal Ratan Singh in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film, Shahid Kapoor succeeded in telling the unknown story of a real hero.