Shahid Kapoor is lord of the dance

The first time I took a giant step outside my comfort zone and prepared for a Bollywood interview, I was left sorely disappointed.

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan hardly dazzled as they unenthusiastically answered the minimum from bubbly journalists who had patiently waited more than two hours for what can only be described as a couple who had themselves confused with royalty.

So you can imagine my utter disappointment when I was handed a brief for a one-on-one chat with Indian heartthrob (as I was reliably informed) Shahid Kapoor.

Deciding not to tar all Indian actors and actresses with the same brush was a good choice, since Kapoor redeemed the world of Indian film for this English journalist.

Okay, so I can tell you how many hanging lanterns there are in the lobby of the InterContinental Festival City, and exactly what time the lights dim for early evening — thanks to a two and a half hour delay in his schedule. But what Kapoor (or the team in charge) lacked in punctuality, he made up for in charm, maturity and a damn good natter.

No frills, no attitude, just plain-talking, well-spoken and honest would be the best way to describe the 28-year-old star of new dance-off flick Chance Pe Dance.

See Kelly take a chance on dance

A proper little twinkle-toes from an early age, Kapoor said he felt at home on the set but was pushed to the limits thanks to the addition of the man responsible for some of Justin Timberlake's moves.

"Martin Kudelka is the choreographer who has just done JT's latest tour. The director brought in a foreign choreographer, which was interesting for an Indian film," said Kapoor with a sigh as if recalling the challenges he faced and subsequently conquered.

"It was very different. The way he interpreted the sound was probably very different to the way we're used to. He would pick up a beat that we would not pick up to put a step in. We're used to a certain style of dance, and it was very difficult to unlearn that and learn a completely different style altogether."

A new experience for both Kapoor and Kudelka, the rising star said he thought the American was happy with the results, but admitted the whole experience must have been quite different for him. "I would say I learned more than him."

'A very real film'

Released on Thursday, Chance Pe Dance tells the story of a struggling actor through the power of dance. 

Not short of a few tales of rejection and hardship throughout his own career —which has only really taken off in the last three years — Kapoor says he really felt he could connect with his character. "It's a very simple film, very candid film — a very real film," he said softly.

"I can connect with it because I have been through my time of struggle as an actor. There are a lot of scenes in the film which remind me of my times of struggle. It's a sweet, simple film with a lot of dancing."

Drama was the norm in the Kapoor household. With both his parents being actors, Kapoor said it was always going to be the way to go, and that he was 100 per cent confident — sometimes inappropriately. "I used to always think I'd done well at auditions," he laughed. "I cringe now at my arrogance. But it was good, because it kept me going.

"My parents are both actors, but weren't in the mainstream. They weren't part of the elite group, so I had to struggle my way up.

"You find out you've been rejected and then you need to wake up in the morning and believe in yourself all over again. You face rejection every day and the only thing you have going is faith [in yourself] and belief [that] you have what it takes when the whole world is telling you that you don't. [When] the very people you are trying to get a job from are telling you that you don't."

But a thick skin, determined attitude and a few sleepless nights eventually paid off for Kapoor. "I have some wonderful memories. I know what I've been through. I was fortunate enough to do the right work, do the right films and [now I'm] sitting here today."

Refreshingly, the actor — who has lost all shreds of the arrogance he once had —says he knows it's not just the hours he's put in that have got him to where he is today. "Yes, of course I've worked hard, but doesn't everybody? I've worked hard, but I think you need a little bit of good fortune as well."

Delving deeper, Kapoor opened up about life at home and the all important question of love. "When I'm not filming, I'm sitting at home in my boxers, having a cup of coffee, browsing on my laptop. I listen to a bit of music and play with my dog. I love spending time with my family, catching a movie at a theatre nearby and I like driving around in my car."

When it comes to friends, Kapoor chooses them wisely. "I think it's true of anyone who is successful — I don't think its limited to only people in films.

"Some people want to gain from your success. But I think inherently I'm not somebody who questions everybody I meet — I take them at face value. It takes time for me to be friends with somebody, because I think being a friend is something very large."

Single and happy

Famously dating Kareena Kapoor until the pair split in 2007, Kapoor says right now he's enjoying being single. "There is pretty much nothing going on in my love life — I'm single and happy. I wouldn't say it's the best, but I'm enjoying my time. There are certain positives to being single."

Dance moves aside, Kapoor hopes to introduce more people in the West to the Indian film industry. "I think cinema has its own language and I think as long as you can find a common point of connect then that's all that matters.

"Cinema has a universal language. That's why we can understand your films. Obviously Hollywood has the advantage, because English is the universal language. Hindi is a language which isn't understood by as many people, but I think if you can find a common subject which everyone can connect with then I think it's possible to reach out to people. Slumdog [Millionaire] is the perfect example. Everyone could relate to it. We've all been the underdog at a point in our lives.

"Everyone loves having sushi once in a while. Everyone loves a change and I think Hindi films can offer just that to people all over the world."