Shahid Kapoor Says Girls Are Drawn to Guys Like ‘Kabir Singh’
Shahid Kapoor Reflects on Kabir Singh’s Controversial Persona and Real-Life Inspiration
Bollywood star Shahid Kapoor recently addressed the ongoing discourse around his character in the 2019 film Kabir Singh, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The character, known for his intense and often aggressive persona, sparked debates over its portrayal of toxic masculinity and problematic behavior.
In an interview, Kapoor defended the film’s narrative as a reflection of real-life complexities, stating, “It’s not about who I am. It’s about who we all can be, the choices we make, and the lessons we take from it.” He emphasized the importance of cinema mirroring society, adding, “You can’t make films that don’t address what’s happening in life.”
Kapoor admitted that much of what Kabir Singh did was “unacceptable” and acknowledged that he personally would not condone such behavior. However, he argued for the film’s relevance, saying, “Do guys like Kabir exist? Do girls fall for them? Yes, they do. So why not make a movie about it? It’s up to the audience to decide what they take away from it.”
A remake of the Telugu film Arjun Reddy, Kabir Singh starred Kapoor alongside Kiara Advani. While it received mixed reviews for its portrayal of misogyny and toxic relationships, the movie was a box office success, ranking as the third-highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2019. Kapoor concluded by encouraging viewers to interpret the film and its characters based on their perspectives, fostering discussions about societal norms and individual choices.