Shahid Kapoor talks about his bold role choices; says 'I am very proud of Kabir Singh'

Shahid Kapoor, who is currently promoting his upcoming film Deva, recently reflected on his journey as an actor, particularly his choice of morally complex characters. During an interaction at HT City's Stars In the City, he addressed the impact of 'Kabir Singh' (2019), a film that divided audiences but remains one of his most talked-about performances.

When Kabir Singh was released, it was met with both immense praise and harsh criticism. While some considered it one of Shahid’s most intense performances, others accused the film of glorifying toxic masculinity. However, the actor remains steadfast in his belief that cinema should portray flawed characters without moral judgments. “I’m very proud of that film,” he stated, highlighting how it allowed him to explore a layered and deeply troubled protagonist.

Shahid explained that growing up, he often saw heroes who were portrayed as inherently good, but he was drawn to performances that embraced grey shades. He cited actors like Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver and Al Pacino in Scarface as inspirations for his approach to acting. For him, a character doesn’t need to be likable, what matters is whether the audience believes in their authenticity. He even considers it a victory when viewers dislike a character he plays, as it proves he has successfully convinced them of the role’s reality.

Apart from discussing his film choices, Shahid also shared insights into his decision-making process regarding scripts. When asked if his wife, Mira Rajput, helps him pick projects, he jokingly said, “She’s too expensive, I can’t afford her.” He clarified that while he values the opinions of those around him, the final call is always his own. According to him, an actor must take complete ownership of their career and choices.