In 2022, Shahid Kapoor is set to make up for the lost time of the past two years. Where he will be back on the big screen with Jersey, he will also make his digital debut with Raj-DK’s yet-untitled series. A new endeavour is always an exciting prospect. The actor has the added assurance that for his web debut, he is being guided by two of the most ingenious storytellers from the current lot. “I have two genius men with me,” he proclaims.

“It’s my first attempt at long-format [storytelling]. It becomes a new experience to structure your character, knowing that it will last for four to five hours. How do you build the part? How will people view him? They can stop [the show] at any point and do their [daily chores]. These thoughts help you approach something, which you have been doing for a long time, in a different way.”

Little is known about the Amazon Prime Video offering, besides the fact that it also features south star Vijay Sethupathi and Raashii Khanna. Kapoor gives us a glimpse of his character, describing him as “Mumbai ka launda.” “He is a boy from the streets of Mumbai who has to work hard to earn money and survive. I could relate to him because that’s who I was when I was dancing with Shiamak Davar [before his Bollywood debut]. I used to travel by train, and try to save money. I have lived that life from 16 to 21. It is an edgy character.”

Teaming up with Raj-DK has bolstered a belief he long held. “One should want to work with people who are at the top of their game, who inspire you to do great work. You should be surrounded by people who know what they’re doing. With time, you realise these things matter so much.” Sharing screen space with Sethupathi is the cherry on the top. “I have admired Vijay sir’s work. We shot for only two to three hours together. He is a fantastic actor.”