Actor Shahid Kapoor has opened up about the growing culture of online trolling and the pressure actors face in the age of social media. Speaking on The Right Angle, the actor reflected on the delicate balance between accepting public opinion and protecting one’s inner peace.
Shahid acknowledged that being in the public eye today comes with constant scrutiny. According to him, the challenge lies in staying open and vulnerable as an artist while also being mindful of how much external noise one allows to affect their mental and emotional well-being. “It’s a difficult journey because you have to open up, but also be mindful of what and how much you allow to sit in your system,” he said.
He questioned the need to constantly seek validation from the outside world. “Do you want to wake every morning and make everyone happy or yourself happy?” he asked, emphasising the importance of self-reflection. For Shahid, creative satisfaction ultimately comes from within. He explained that after completing a project, he asks himself whether he genuinely enjoyed the process, whether it contributed to his growth, and whether it truthfully represented his creative energy. “Ultimately, it needs to satisfy my hard work and the feeling of achieving something,” he noted.
Addressing the culture of online commentary, Shahid remarked that anonymity on the internet has led many people to forget basic boundaries. He candidly stated that while people may label him old-fashioned, he believes individuals should earn the right to speak before passing judgment. Drawing from lessons instilled in him since childhood, he said one should first assess their own standing before criticising others. In his view, constructive criticism is valuable, but negativity without accountability can be damaging.
The actor stressed the importance of maintaining calm amidst digital chaos. While he supports being open to meaningful feedback, he believes artists must also fill themselves with positivity and back their own instincts. According to him, self-belief is essential in an environment where opinions are instant, loud and often harsh.
On the professional front, Shahid was recently seen in O’Romeo, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. In the film, Shahid essays the role of Ustara, while Triptii Dimri plays Afshan. The ensemble cast also features Disha Patani, Vikrant Massey, Farida Jalal, Hussain Dalal, Nana Patekar, Tamannaah Bhatia and Avinash Tiwary in pivotal roles.
O’Romeo marks Shahid’s fourth collaboration with Vishal Bhardwaj after their earlier critically acclaimed films — Kaminey, Haider and Rangoon. Over the years, the actor-director duo has been known for delivering layered narratives and complex characters, earning both critical appreciation and audience recognition.
Looking ahead, Shahid is slated to star in Cocktail 2, directed by Homi Adajania. The film will reportedly feature Rashmika Mandanna and Kriti Sanon alongside him. While certain media reports have suggested that Rashmika and Kriti may portray a lesbian couple in the film, there has been no official confirmation regarding this storyline. Much of the project’s plot and character details have been kept under wraps, adding to the intrigue surrounding the film.
As Shahid navigates both the evolving entertainment landscape and the complexities of online discourse, his perspective underscores a broader conversation about mental resilience in the digital age. For him, the key lies in striking a balance — remaining open to feedback, yet grounded in one’s own sense of purpose and creative fulfilment.
