Shahid Kapoor who gained immense popularity with his role in the 2019 blockbuster Kabir Singh, has found himself at the centre of an ongoing debate surrounding the film’s portrayal of misogyny. Despite its commercial success, Kabir Singh faced significant backlash upon its release for allegedly glorifying abusive behaviour. In a recent interview, Shahid Kapoor took the opportunity to delve into the controversy and provide a deeper understanding of his perspective on the film’s morality and shared he understands the feeling as he was physically abused as a child. He acknowledged the criticism it received and expressed his intention to shed light on the complexities of the character he portrayed.
Also Read: Supriya Pathak Shares How She First Met A 6YO Shahid Kapoor. “He Was…”
During a conversation with mid-day, Shahid Kapoor delved into his character in the film Kabir Singh. He drew comparisons between Kabir Singh and iconic cinematic figures such as Taxi Driver and Scarface, emphasizing the larger-than-life nature of the character. According to Shahid, Kabir Singh is not a conventional hero but rather a protagonist who drives the narrative forward. Shahid Kapoor further discussed the distinction between a hero and a protagonist, stating that Kabir falls into the latter category. He highlighted a particular scene in the movie where Kabir’s actions parallel those of Devdas, who strikes Paro. Shahid suggested that Preeti, portrayed by Kiara Advani, is the stronger character in their tumultuous relationship, providing an interesting dynamic in the story.
Also Read: Who Is Going To Tell Shahid Kapoor That Marriage Isn’t About A Woman “Fixing” A Man?
In a moment of candidness, Shahid Kapoor shared a personal experience, mentioning that he has witnessed physical abuse during his own childhood. Shahid Kapoor clarified that he is quite different from his character Kabir Singh in real life. He doesn’t drink, values his family, and would never resort to violence against any woman. Growing up with his mother, he imbibed values that strongly oppose such behaviour. However, as an actor, he believes in portraying diverse characters, even if they are not necessarily likeable. He emphasizes that the audience should appreciate his performance rather than his personal likability.
Shahid expressed his dissatisfaction with the self-righteous attitude displayed by some critics of the film. He dislikes people who believe their perspective is the only correct one, disregarding the opinions and preferences of others. He found it frustrating that certain individuals refused to accept the popularity of Kabir Singh while holding onto their own disapproval. He urged them to acknowledge that although they may not have liked the film, many others did.