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regular-article-logo Tuesday, 03 June 2025

Shahid Kapoor and Taapsee Pannu talk self-expression and freedom

The two took some questions from t2 on style, their eyewear collections and the joys of living life on your own terms

Saionee Chakraborty Published 02.06.25, 06:13 AM
Shahid Kapoor and Taapsee Pannu star in a campaign by Vogue Eyewear

Shahid Kapoor and Taapsee Pannu star in a campaign by Vogue Eyewear Pictures courtesy: Vogue Eyewear

Both spontaneous actors with a penchant for experimenting with various kinds of roles, Shahid Kapoor and Taapsee Pannu star in a cool, young campaign for Vogue Eyewear called ‘No Rules Club’. The Kabir Singh actor joins Taapsee as the brand ambassador for the eyewear brand. The two took some questions from t2 on style, their eyewear collections and the joys of living life on your own terms.

Vogue Eyewear has been a seamless association because...

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Shahid: It aligns with how I see style — personal, expressive, and always evolving. As someone who’s constantly experimenting with different looks on and off-screen, I resonate with what Vogue Eyewear stands for. It’s not about following trends; it’s about owning your individuality. That’s what makes this association feel effortless.
Taapsee: It aligns perfectly with who I am — bold, expressive, and unapologetically real. Additionally, we both believe in celebrating individuality and self-expression. It never felt like an endorsement — it felt like an extension of my personal style and values.

How many pairs of sunglasses do you own?

Shahid: Let’s just say they don’t all fit on one shelf any more. I’ve been collecting for years — each pair tells a story, marks a phase, or reminds me of a film or a trip. It’s become a bit of an obsession, in the best way.
Taapsee: Too many to count — but somehow, I always feel like there’s room for one more. I’d guess somewhere between 30 to 40 — and growing!

Your favourite pairs...

Shahid: It’s tough to choose just one, but there’s this pair from Vogue Eyewear with a sleek, gold-toned metal frame and polarised grey lenses that really stands out for me. The design is effortlessly classic with a modern edge — lightweight, versatile, and sharp enough to elevate any look. I love how it fits right in, whether it’s for a casual day out or something a bit more polished. It’s got that understated elegance that doesn’t scream for attention but still makes a statement. Another favourite of mine has this bold, irregular frame with vibrant hues and an exposed metal core. It’s unapologetically stylish, almost industrial in its design, and I love how it adds that raw, edgy element to any outfit. It really embodies the ‘No Rules Club’ spirit — unconventional, fearless, and designed for those who like to break away from the ordinary.
Taapsee: It’s tough to choose just one! The deep blue oversized frames I wore in the campaign film are such a power move — they instantly lift any outfit and mood. And then there’s the rose-tinted cat-eye from my own edit — it’s playful, sharp, and full of personality. I love how Vogue keeps pushing the boundaries of classic silhouettes with modern flair. These are more than just sunglasses — they’re mood-setters.

Your first designer buy was...

Taapsee: A bag.

‘No Rules Club’ is such a cool concept. Are there pitfalls to choosing to live life on your own terms?

Shahid: Living on your own terms definitely isn’t the easy route — but it’s the most fulfilling one. There’s always going to be noise — people questioning your choices, your timing, even your style. But that’s the beauty of the No Rules Club — it’s about owning your identity without apology. Whether it’s the roles I take on or how I show up in everyday life, I’ve realised that following your instinct might make you stand out — but that’s exactly the point. You’re not meant to blend in.
Taapsee: Of course, living on your own terms isn’t always the easiest path — there’s resistance, judgment, and a fair share of self-doubt along the way. But I’ve always believed that the discomfort is worth it if it means staying true to who you are. The ‘No Rules Club’ isn’t about rebellion for the sake of it — it’s about authenticity, courage, and the freedom to define your own journey. And that’s what makes this campaign so powerful, it reminds us that the only rule worth following is the one you set for yourself.

The joys are of course immense...

Shahid: Absolutely. There’s something powerful about carving your own path. Whether it’s the roles I’ve taken on or how I express myself through style, the reward is in knowing it’s 100 per cent you, not a version curated for others.
Taapsee: Because there’s a different kind of happiness in knowing you’re being true to yourself. You’re not trying to fit into someone else’s idea of how things should be — you’re just doing you. Sure, there are ups and downs, but the sense of freedom, of owning your choices — that’s unmatched.

What are your top five life lessons that you want to pass on to the next generation...

Shahid: If there’s anything I’ve learned over the years, it’s the importance of staying curious — never losing that desire to learn and explore. There’s so much power in silence too; I think being comfortable in your own space, without the noise, teaches you a lot about yourself. Success, I’ve realised, isn’t just about big moments — it’s a byproduct of showing up consistently, even when it’s hard. When it comes to style, I genuinely believe it’s never about labels; it’s always been about authenticity — wearing what feels like ‘you’ instead of what’s trending. And perhaps the most important lesson of all: always back yourself. Even when no one else sees your vision, stand by it. That belief can move mountains.
Taapsee: If I had to pick five, they’d be these...
A. Be okay with being different. Fitting in is overrated. It’s your uniqueness that will eventually set you apart.
B. Speak up, even if your voice shakes. Whether it’s at work or in life, don’t be afraid to stand your ground.
C. Failure is part of the process. It’s not the opposite of success; it’s often the path to it.
D. Don’t let people’s timelines pressure you. Life is not a race. You’ll bloom when it’s your time.
E. Have fun with it. Work hard, chase your dreams, but don’t forget to enjoy the ride. The best moments often come when you’re not overthinking everything.

A pair of glasses on your wish-list is...

Shahid: I saw this guy wearing the coolest olive green sunglasses with pink lenses while I was travelling — they just had this old-school-meets-edgy feel. I couldn’t find them anywhere, and then Vogue Eyewear launched this exact pair (0VO5620S). They’ve got that perfect mix of statement and subtle — and I love how they add character without trying too hard.
Taapsee: Honestly? Anything that lets me hide my no-makeup airport face while still looking like I’ve got it all together!

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