Exclusive | Shahid Kapoor on Trolling, Industry Insecurity and Actors Wanting to 'Manipulate' Perception: 'That Game is Over'

Shahid Kapoor doesn't hold back when it comes to breaking down the inner workings of the film business. From industry insecurities and image manipulation to how much he actually trusts the constant chatter about his peers.

For the actor, the entertainment world can be dizzying, but navigating it successfully simply requires keeping your feet on the ground and remaining fiercely real about who you are.

During a chat with The Hollywood Reporter India, Kapoor was asked about the intense trolling actor Alia Bhatt faced after her Cannes appearance last month, which, according to persistent industry chatter, was allegedly commissioned by another actor.

When quizzed on whether actors today are truly that insecure of their peers, Kapoor noted, "I personally never believe anything anybody says unless I’m in the room and I saw it myself. I take everything with a pinch of salt in life, and I think that’s gone well for me," adding that when one starts blindly believing people and engineered narratives, one becomes easily manipulated.

Kapoor revealed he maintains this strict boundary even when it comes to his own parents. "I prefer to be that way. It keeps my mind simple. And you know, I’m not so dependent on what other people are saying about other people. I’ll make my own assessment."

When the conversation shifted to the targeted negativity, Kapoor offered a remarkably pragmatic perspective. "It comes with the job. The money and the fame is a part of the job along with the negative aspect. And that’s how life balances itself sometimes, that with all that love can come that much negativity."

On a larger level, Kapoor believes it is critical for public figures to shed the smoke and mirrors, emphasizing that modern audiences can instantly spot an organic personality from a manufactured front.

"There was a time when you could build a persona and manipulate people’s perception of you. That time has gone," Kapoor warned.

"I feel every artist should just know that even if you’re imperfect, even if you’re insecure, let it show. Let people see yourself for who you are. When they feel you’re trying to show them something and they can see through that you’re trying to manipulate them, they get pissed off.

"People get very angry. So that game is over. Nobody should play it anymore. People are smart, people understand, and I think people are okay if you show that you are stupid, you are unreasonable, you are impractical — as far as they see that you’re being yourself, they will still forgive you. But what they’ll not forgive you for is you’re trying to manipulate their perception of you," he added.