Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani’s 2019 HIT Kabir Singh is still one of the most talked-about films in Bollywood. While it was a massive box-office success, the movie (a remake of the Telugu hit Arjun Reddy) faced heavy criticism for promoting toxic masculinity and misogyny. Now, actor Adil Hussain, who played a supporting role, has admitted he regrets being part of the film.
Adil Hussain Regrets Doing Kabir Singh, Doesn’t Blame Sandeep Reddy Vanga
In an interview with Mid-Day, Hussain revealed that he hadn’t read the full script before signing on. He said, “I was travelling extensively with Mukti Bhawan then and didn’t have the time to go through the full script or watch the original Telugu version [Arjun Reddy].”
He also shared that he initially tried to avoid the role by asking his manager to quote five times his usual fee, hoping the filmmakers would back off. Hussain eventually agreed after reading a scene he found “brilliantly written.” But when the film released, his feelings changed.
He said, “I found it misogynistic. When I saw the film, I thought – What have I done?”
Hussain clarified that his regret is personal and not directed at the director in any way. He added, “It’s not about what Sandeep Reddy Vanga has done, it’s my responsibility. I could have said no. Several women friends expressed disappointment. It was important for me to say I regret doing that film.”
About Kabir Singh
Kabir Singh marked Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Hindi debut as co-writer, co-editor and director. The film was produced by Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar under T-Series Films, and Murad Khetani and Ashwin Varde under Cine1 Studios. It is a remake of Vanga’s Telugu hit Arjun Reddy (2017).
The film follows Shahid Kapoor as Kabir Singh, a brilliant surgeon whose life spirals into self-destructive behaviour after his girlfriend (played by Kiara Advani) is forced into an arranged marriage. Filming began in October 2018 and wrapped by March 2019. Released on June 21, 2019, the movie received mixed reviews but was a commercial HIT. It collected over Rs 379 crore, becoming the second highest-grossing Hindi film of 2019 and Shahid Kapoor’s highest-grossing solo-lead release.
Adil Hussain’s Upcoming Projects
Currently, Hussain is promoting his next film Mercy, which has been showcased at several international film festivals. The movie tells the story of Shekhar (Raj Vasudeva), who faces a moral dilemma about ending his terminally ill mother’s suffering on Christmas Eve. The film does not yet have an official release date in India.
