Why Zahan Kapoor Prefers to Step Out of His Grandfather’s Shadow

Zahan Kapoor, grandson of the legendary actor Shashi Kapoor, has recently shared why he doesn’t like using his famous surname. Despite being born into the renowned Kapoor family, Zahan wants to build his own identity in the film industry.​

In an interview, Zahan expressed that he doesn’t want to be seen merely as Shashi Kapoor’s grandson. He believes that relying on his family’s name might lead to unfair advantages. Instead, he prefers to earn his place through his own talent and hard work.​

Zahan’s journey into acting began later than many. He started learning Hindi at the age of 18, as he had grown up abroad and wasn’t fluent in the language. Determined to pursue a career in acting, he joined theatre and worked diligently to improve his language skills. He views language as a vital tool for an actor, believing that mastering it is essential to truly feel and deliver a performance.​

His parents, Kunal Kapoor and Sheena Sippy, have always supported his desire to succeed on his own merits. They emphasized the importance of independence and self-reliance, teaching him to be aware of his privileges and the realities around him. Kunal Kapoor, an ad filmmaker, often shares how their family wasn’t financially well-off when he started his career, highlighting the value of hard work and perseverance.​

Zahan’s recent work in the web series Black Warrant, released on Netflix, has garnered attention. The series, based on a real-life memoir, follows a young jail officer navigating corruption within Delhi’s Tihar Jail. Zahan’s portrayal of Sunil Gupta has been praised for its depth and authenticity. The show received over 4 million views on its release day and ranked fifth in Netflix’s trending section.​

Despite his family’s illustrious background, Zahan remains focused on his personal growth and career. He aims to carve out his own path in the industry, free from the expectations tied to his surname. His dedication to his craft and desire to be recognized for his own work reflect his commitment to building a legacy based on his abilities and choices.​