Actor Shahid Kapoor and filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj’s collaboration is widely regarded as one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated actor-director partnerships. Spanning over a decade, their films have consistently pushed creative boundaries, earning critical acclaim and audience admiration. Reflecting on their journey together, Shahid described working with Bhardwaj as nothing short of an “adventurous journey.”
Shahid recalled that he was initially intimidated during their first collaboration, Kaminey. He remembered asking Vishal why he had been chosen for the role, to which the director replied that he saw untapped potential in him — a moment Shahid credits with changing the course of his career.
The actor credited Bhardwaj for challenging him with some of the most demanding roles of his life. From the raw unpredictability of Kaminey to the emotionally complex and layered character in Haider, Shahid emphasized that each project required fearlessness. He singled out Haider as particularly intimidating, but also one of the most rewarding experiences of his career.
Adding a touch of humor, Shahid joked that Vishal is now doing with him what he couldn’t fully do with Shahid’s father, veteran actor Pankaj Kapur. The remark drew laughter and highlighted the deep creative trust the filmmaker shares with the actor. After Rangoon, the two had not collaborated for nearly 7–8 years, making O’Romeo a meaningful reunion.
Shahid also shared how O’Romeo came to him. Both producer Sajid Nadiadwala and Vishal Bhardwaj reached out, and the trio met to discuss the script in a long, old-school session sitting on the floor for over two-and-a-half hours. “That’s where the journey started,” Shahid recalled, underscoring the organic nature of their collaborations.
O’Romeo marks the fourth collaboration between Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj, following Kaminey, Haider, and Rangoon. Presented by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Bhardwaj, the film is slated for a Valentine’s Week release on February 13, 2026. As Shahid reflected on their journey, it became clear that their partnership thrives on mutual respect, creative risk-taking, and trust — a dynamic that promises another compelling chapter for Hindi cinema audiences.