- By Srishti Pandey
- Wed, 04 Dec 2024 08:34 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Shahid Kapoor's portrayal of Kabir Singh in the 2019 blockbuster Kabir Singh remains a topic of intense debate. While the film, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, was a commercial success, raking in over Rs 250 crore at the box office, it drew criticism for glorifying toxic masculinity. In a recent conversation with journalist Faye D'Souza, Shahid Kapoor revisited the controversy surrounding the character and shared his thoughts on its relevance.
Speaking about the divisive nature of the character, Shahid said, “It is not really about who I am. It is about who we all can be, who we all choose to be, and what we want to be. Your learning has to come from that, and films cannot ignore what is happening in real life.”
Acknowledging Kabir Singh’s flawed nature, Shahid added, “I don’t think a lot of things that Kabir did were acceptable. I would not accept a guy like that. But do guys like that exist? Do girls fall in love with guys like that? Yes, they do! So why can't we make a movie about it? You walk away and decide what you like and what you don't like. That's up to you, as an audience.”
View this post on Instagram
Kabir Singh showcased Shahid Kapoor as an aggressive and deeply flawed lover, opposite Kiara Advani. While the film resonated with many viewers and achieved massive box-office success, critics slammed it for romanticizing toxic behaviour. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga faced significant backlash for his approach to storytelling. Despite the polarizing opinions, the film remains a cultural touchpoint, sparking discussions about representation in cinema and the impact of flawed characters on society.
After Kabir Singh, Shahid has continued to experiment with diverse roles. He was recently seen in the romantic comedy Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, where he starred alongside Kriti Sanon. His next release, Deva, is set to hit theatres on January 31, promising another intriguing performance by the versatile actor.