Actor Adil Hussain has once again shared his discomfort about his role in the 2019 blockbuster Kabir Singh. The film, starring Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani, achieved significant box office success but also drew considerable criticism for its portrayal of toxic masculinity and misogyny.
In a recent interview, Hussain elaborated on his regret, explaining that his busy travel schedule with Mukti Bhawan prevented him from thoroughly reviewing the script or watching the original Telugu version. In an attempt to decline the offer, he even asked his manager to quote a fee five times his usual rate, expecting the production to withdraw the offer. However, to his surprise, they agreed.
Hussain decided to take on the role after being impressed by a single “brilliantly written” scene. Yet, upon seeing the completed film, his feelings changed dramatically. He admitted, “I found it misogynistic. When I saw the film, I thought, ‘What have I done?’” He emphasized that the responsibility lay with him for not saying no, especially after friends expressed their disappointment. This personal regret has led him to publicly state his regret about participating in the film.
Notably, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga had previously responded to Hussain’s earlier comments in 2019, suggesting that Hussain’s fame came from regretting the blockbuster rather than his art films, and that he regretted casting him.
With a career spanning over four decades and acclaimed performances in films like Mukti Bhawan (2016) and Life of Pi (2012), Hussain considers his involvement in Kabir Singh a rare misstep he wishes he could rectify.