In a candid conversation with Neha Dhupia on her chat show, Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor, despite being the son of esteemed actors Pankaj Kapoor and Neelima Azeem, shared insights into his unique journey in the Hindi film industry, emphasizing his self-made path and the challenges he faced as an outsider.

The actor revealed that despite his illustrious lineage, he considers himself an outsider in Bollywood. Relocating from Delhi to Mumbai, Shahid discussed his struggles with fitting in during his school years due to his distinct way of speaking. Living in rented accommodations, he experienced the transient nature of his surroundings, making it challenging to establish lasting connections.

Shahid expressed, "We were living in a rented house, so every 11 months, we would shift. I would be in a new building, trying to make friends with people who didn’t know me. I went to Shiamak (Davar) and college, and that’s where I finally felt accepted and I had my own group of people and then I became an actor."

Addressing the dynamics within the film industry, Shahid Kapoor drew parallels between the challenges he faced in Bollywood and his experiences in school. He pointed out that outsiders encounter difficulty being accepted, facing skepticism about how they entered the industry. Shahid disapproved of the prevalent 'campy' culture in Bollywood, emphasizing the need for collaboration without demeaning others.

"I think people who want to creatively collaborate with each other should, people who are comfortable with each other should. But that doesn't mean you diss other people and try to put other people down or close the doors to other people," he remarked.

Reflecting on his personal growth, Shahid Kapoor expressed his changed perspective. While he admitted lacking confidence as a teenager to confront bullies, he asserted that today, he is ready to stand up against any form of bullying. He stated, "Now, if you try to bully me, I will bully you right back. I will bully the bully because they deserve it."

Shahid Kapoor, known for his versatile performances, also shared updates on his upcoming project. He will be starring in Rosshan Andrews's film 'Deva,' alongside actress Pooja Hegde. As Shahid continues to make waves in Bollywood, his openness about the challenges faced by outsiders in the industry sheds light on the need for inclusivity and a more supportive environment for all talents.