In what can be considered an unusual admission within the film industry, actor Adil Hussain has spoken of his profound regret for participating in the film ‘Kabir Singh’. This movie, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Shahid Kapoor in the title role, drew considerable criticism for its portrayal of sexism and male toxicity. Despite the backlash, the film was a commercial success at the box office. Yet, the controversy around it has not subdued, with conversations still simmering years after its release.
Talking to AP Podcast, Hussain revealed that ‘Kabir Singh’ is the singular film in his extensive career that he wishes he had steered clear of. The esteemed actor known for his nuanced performances detailed the circumstances that led to his involvement in the film. “That’s the only film in my life that I have done without reading the script, without seeing the movie which it is based on,” Hussain admitted with candor.
The moment of regret was instantaneous for Hussain, who couldn’t bear to watch the film in its entirety. Within the first 20 minutes of the screening, he decided to exit the theater. “I regret it till today. The only movie I have regretted doing is that film… Kabir Singh,” he articulated with a sense of disquiet.
Hussain’s critique of ‘Kabir Singh’ pinpoints the core issues of what he perceives as societal harm. The film, according to him, trivializes and belittles people, namely women, and glorifies toxic masculine behavior. “I think a film like this, it celebrates something which is not beneficial for the society. It legitimizes male misogyny. It legitimizes violence against anybody for that matter, doesn’t have to be a woman. And it celebrates it, it glorifies it and it should not be glorified,” Hussain expressed, underscoring his perspective on the dangerous narrative such movies perpetuate.
Sharing the backstory of his association with ‘Kabir Singh’, Hussain divulged that his first response to the offer was a refusal due to a tight schedule. However, when the filmmakers sent him his part rather than the full script, his curiosity piqued. In an ensuing mix-up, he received the original Telugu film ‘Arjun Reddy’ instead of the Hindi remake script. Having no opportunity to watch the original, he instructed his manager to set an exorbitantly high fee, assuming it would dissuade the producers. To his surprise, they accepted his quote.
He recalled the decision and the subsequent reaction upon viewing the completed film. “I go to watch the film and I thought what am I doing here? You have no idea how I felt. I felt so embarrassed,” confessed Hussain. This embarrassment was compounded by the thought of his wife witnessing the film, “She would be so angry if she sees this,” he proclaimed—emphasizing the personal impact and the incongruence between his values and the film’s messaging.
The controversy surrounding ‘Kabir Singh’ is emblematic of a larger debate in cinema regarding the responsibility filmmakers bear in depicting social issues and influencing cultural norms. Hussain’s remarks lend a voice to the ongoing discourse shaping Indian cinema’s future direction, as it navigates between creative expression and social impact.
In an industry often marred by silence and complicity, Adil Hussain’s honest revelation adds a layer of accountability. It highlights an actor’s reflection on the unintentional endorsement of content that conflicts with personal and societal values. Hussain ultimately stands by his belief that films, while a form of artistic expression, wield enough influence to challenge and potentially shift societal perceptions—bearing a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. As ‘Kabir Singh’ continues to generate dialogue, Hussain’s comments will likely resonate with audiences and industry professionals alike, sparking further contemplation on the content that cinema should aspire to project.
