Effortlessly stylish and unapologetically real, Shahid Kapoor in an exclusive tête-à-tête with The Pioneer, he opens up about being the face of Vogue Eyewear’s ‘No Rules Club,’ his refusal to play it safe, and how embracing unpredictability has shaped some of his most powerful performances. In this chat, the actor bares it all—from bold fashion choices to fearless, career-defining roles
I think it’s important to focus on the fact that Farzi Season 2 is coming. I’m excited to dive back into that world. Sunny’s a fascinating character – he’s street-smart, emotionally driven, and walks a tightrope between right and wrong. The format gives you space to really live with a character. Let’s see where the story goes, if and when it continues, I’m sure it’ll raise the bar.
Tejal Sinha
Shahid Kapoor doesn’t just wear style—he lives it. With every role he plays and every look he owns, he continues to blur the lines between rebellion and refinement. Now, as the face of Vogue Eyewear’s first-ever men’s category, he brings that same fearless energy to a campaign that throws out the rulebook. Bold, disruptive and unapologetically individualistic, the ‘No Rules Club’ isn’t just about eyewear—it’s a declaration of identity. And Shahid, with his ever-evolving persona and effortless cool, is the perfect ambassador for this new era of expression.
For the Ishq Vishk star, this collaboration is far from a mere brand alignment; it’s a meeting of minds. “What stood out for me was the intent behind the campaign. It wasn’t just about eyewear, it was about individuality. That idea of stepping away from rules, not boxing style into categories, really spoke to me.”
As someone who’s never been afraid to blur the lines between trends and authenticity, Shahid was drawn to how the brand had forayed into menswear, which felt both “fresh, bold and unapologetically expressive.” The actor also praised the design sensibility: “The frames are clean but with just the right edge. It felt like a natural fit.”
The ‘No Rules Club’ campaign is all about celebrating those who live by their own aesthetic compass—a sentiment he resonates with deeply. When asked about the one style rule he’s always broken, his answer is characteristically rebellious. “Rules, in general, have never excited me. Especially when it comes to fashion. I’ve always mixed things up. For me, the vibe matters more than the trend. If something feels like me in that moment, I’ll wear it, whether it’s ‘in’ or not. That’s the only rule I follow.”
While the Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! star’s red-carpet looks often make headlines, his off-duty wardrobe is an ode to understated cool. “Off-camera, I’m quite chill. I like clean silhouettes, good fits, and stuff that moves with me. My style is classic with a little rebellion—nothing too loud but never boring.”
This effortless balance between structure and spontaneity is what he brings to the Vogue Eyewear campaign as well. “It lets the eyewear and personality shine. That balance between statement and subtle, that’s very me.”
For him, sunglasses aren’t just functional or trendy—they’re an essential part of his personal expression. “You can read a lot about someone just by the kind of eyewear they choose. Is it oversized and loud? Or sleek and minimal? There’s an attitude that comes with it.”
In his eyes, eyewear doesn’t just add to your look—it adds to your presence. “It can shift the tone of an entire look, even a mood,” he explains.
Given the campaign’s ethos of embracing bold individuality, it’s fitting to ask the Vivah star about the riskiest fashion choices he’s made. “There have been moments when I’ve experimented with bold choices. But that’s the thing about fashion—if it makes everyone comfortable, it’s probably not saying enough. I’ve never been afraid to lean into something unusual or mix unexpected elements.”
This unapologetic spirit is perhaps why he continues to be admired for both his cinematic performances and his fashion-forward presence. But he insists he doesn’t take either too seriously. “I take acting seriously, but I try not to take myself too seriously. And when it comes to style, it’s just an extension of how I’m feeling. Some days it’s crisp and polished, other days it’s grungy and raw. I think people connect with that honesty.” Despite being in the industry for two decades, the Jab We Met star, who has made us all in ‘awww’ to date with his character of Aditya Kashyap, remains a pan-generational heartthrob—something he finds flattering but not mystifying. “I’m flattered, really,” he says with a smile. “But I think the secret, if there is one, is just evolving with time. Staying curious yet comfortable. Not getting stuck in one version of yourself.”
He believes authenticity is key: “With time, you evolve, but I’ve never pretended to be someone I’m not. I think people connect with that.”
From the innocent charm of Prem in Vivah to the emotional turbulence of Kabir in Kabir Singh and the raw aggression of Sumair in Bloody Daddy, the Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya actor’s transformation has been nothing short of dramatic—and entirely intentional. “I think it’s a necessity as an actor…to explore all sides and push the boundaries of what you are comfortable doing or what you are known for,” he explains. “The only constant is change!”
He elaborates on his journey: “Playing the sweet boy-next-door in Vivah was beautiful, but as I evolved, I felt the urge to push boundaries and explore more complex, layered characters. The shift was conscious—I never wanted to be predictable.”
Still, those early roles hold a special place in his heart. “Aditya, Rajeev… they were special and they marked important moments in my journey,” he says fondly. “Never say never… it all depends on the role, the character and the story overall.”
Gone are the days when the Chup Chup Ke fame felt pressured to maintain a certain image. “Earlier in my career, there was pressure—to look a certain way, to fit into an image,” he admits. “But over time, that has changed. Now I dress for myself, I train for myself and I show up the way I want to. That comfort actually does more for your image than any trend.” And when it comes to fashion faux pas, there’s no regret in his tone. “Fashion evolves and so do we. I don’t regret any of it—each style phase has shaped me and taught me something and allowed me now to embrace comfort in my own skin.”
At this stage in his career, the Udta Punjab actor is clearly gravitating toward roles that reflect his artistic evolution. “I am drawn to interesting characters… ones that do have layers… nuanced or just straight up. It gives me fuel as an actor to create something new and exciting.”
One genre he’s eyeing next? Satire and dark comedy. “It’s tricky to get the tone right, but when it’s done well, it’s brilliant. I’m just waiting for the right script, something that surprises me, makes me laugh and think at the same time.”
His digital debut with Farzi, he says, was a turning point—not just for his career but for how audiences connect with storytelling. “I believed in the show and the team, but the love it got was overwhelming. OTT has this intimacy, right? People watch you in their own space, on their time. It’s a different kind of connection. I really felt that post Farzi.”
On the much-anticipated sequel, he teases: “The important thing is that Farzi Season 2 is coming. I’m excited to dive back into that world.”
What excites him most about returning as Sunny? “All of it, really! Sunny’s a fascinating character—he’s street-smart, emotionally driven, and walks a tightrope between right and wrong. The format gives you space to really live with a character. Let’s see where the story goes… if and when it continues, I’m sure it’ll raise the bar.”
Whether it’s Haider, Udta Punjab, or Farzi, Shahid has never shied away from risks—and that isn’t changing anytime soon. “The minute you start playing safe, you stop growing,” he says firmly. “I’ve never enjoyed being predictable. It’s the risks that have given me my most rewarding roles.”
Right now, he’s eyeing scripts that scare him a little—“which is a good sign,” he says with a knowing grin. “If I take the plunge, it’s going to be uncomfortable… and that’s exactly why I’m drawn to it.”
The actor admits that his preference for complex, layered roles is both a personal evolution and a reflection of what audiences now expect.
“Life itself is complex and layered, so it feels natural to gravitate toward roles that reflect that,” he explains. “Audiences today are more evolved too—they appreciate nuance, and I find that incredibly exciting as an actor.”
