Shahid was born in Mumbai, to actor Pankaj Kapoor (karamchand) fame and actress/classical dancer Neelima Azeem. His parents divorced when he was three and he usually lived with his mother. His step-mother is Supriya Pathak.
He is a trained dancer and studied under Shiamak Davar. Shahid is currently dating actress Kareena Kapoor. Furthermore, prior to joining the film industry, Shahid dated actress, Hrishita Bhatt.
He studied at Gyan Bharati in Delhi and at Rajhans Vidyalaya in Mumbai.
His debut film Ishq Vishk (2003) was a success. He received the Filmfare Award 2003 in the Debut category for his performance along with the same award from the Star Screen Awards and the Zee Cine Awards. In 2004, he starred in two more films: Fida, a thriller co-starring his current Kareena Kapoor and Fardeen Khan as well as Dil Maange More, a romantic comedy alongside Soha Ali Khan, Tulip Joshi, and Ayesha Takia. Both films bombed at the box office, and Kapoor received positive reviews for his performances.
In 2005 all three of his films, Vaah! Life Ho To Aisi, Deewane Huye Pagal, and Shikhar failed to do well at the box office but his performances were praised. He received a Star Screen Best Actor Nomination for his work in Shikhar.
In 2006, Shahid received his first box office success since his debut with the multi-starrer, 36 China Town. Despite mixed reviews the comic-thriller became an above-average success. Shortly after the release of 36 China Town, Shahid's second 2006 release, Chup Chup Ke released, which was an average success.
In the summer of 2006, Shahid embarked on a World Tour along with fellow Bollywood stars, Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, John Abraham, Esha Deol, Mallika Sherawat and Zayed Khan.
His most recent film Vivah along with Amrita Rao was a blockbuster despite its outdated theme, continuing steady in the top five at the Indian box office even in its thirteenth week. His performance was well appreciated with audiences and critics both in India and abroad.
Shahid's new movie Fool and Final released on June 1, 2007, to average reviews. He will soon be seen in two upcoming films - Jab We Met by Imtiaz Ali opposite Kareena Kapoor, and one by Aziz Mirza opposite Vidya Balan.
In a recent poll in a magazine, Ritesh Deshmukh, John Abraham, and Shahid Kapur were the choices for the 'Hottest Newcomer of 2003. Shahid received 85% of all the votes.
He loves acting, dancing, and playing cricket.
