Shahid Kapoor says guys like Kabir Singh exist and girls like Preeti fall for them: 'I would not accept a guy like that'

Shahid Kapoor’s Kabir Singh, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, was released in 2019 and became one of the biggest hits of the year, grossing over Rs 250 crore at the box office. The film and its lead character continue to spark debates, and Shahid recently addressed the controversy surrounding his portrayal of Kabir Singh.
Speaking about playing such a character, Shahid told Faye D'Souza, "It is not really about who I am. It is about who we all can be. Who we all choose to be. What we all want to be and your learning has to be from that and you cannot make films that are never addressing what is happening in life.”
He went on to clarify his stance on Kabir’s actions, saying, “I don't think a lot of things that Kabir did was acceptable at all. I would not accept a guy like that. But do guys like that exist? Do girls like that fall in love with guys like that? Yes they do! So why can't we make a movie about it? You walk away, you decide what you like what you don't like. That's really up to you, as an audience.”

In Kabir Singh, Shahid portrayed an aggressive lover, with Kiara Advani playing the female lead. The film received polarizing reviews from critics, with some praising the performances, particularly Shahid Kapoor's intense portrayal of the titular character, and others criticizing its problematic depiction of love and masculinity. Despite the polarized opinions, the film resonated with audiences, solidifying its status as a major commercial blockbuster.

Shahid was last seen in the romantic comedy Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, where he was paired opposite Kriti Sanon. He will next be seen in Deva, set to release in theaters on January 31.