In 2019, the Bollywood film "Kabir Singh" took the Indian box office by storm, becoming one of the biggest hits of the year. However, the film also generated significant controversy due to its portrayal of a turbulent relationship between the lead characters, Kabir (Shahid Kapoor) and Preeti (Kiara Advani). Kiara Advani, who portrayed the character of Preeti, has recently spoken out about the backlash the film received and defended her role in it.
Kiara's portrayal of Preeti drew criticism from some viewers who believed the character willingly participated in an abusive relationship. In an interview with Femina, the actress opened up about her character and the broader context of the film, shedding light on her perspective and the complexities of the story.
One of the main criticisms of "Kabir Singh" was that it seemed to romanticize unhealthy behaviors and relationships. The film was accused of being sexist and misogynistic, raising concerns about its impact on the audience. Kiara Advani, however, offered a different viewpoint, emphasizing that it's essential to look beyond black-and-white judgments when it comes to characters in films.
Kiara stated, "I have never played a character I didn't like. If I don't like my character, I better not be doing the movie. We need to accept that there are all sorts of people. We can't cancel everyone." She further added, "If Kabir Singh didn't start a conversation, that would be problematic. But it did, and that's a great thing. What we can do is grow from it. That is what matters."
The actress's defense of her character Preeti echoes the complexity of relationships and the multifaceted nature of love. She emphasized that love stories can be intricate and difficult to understand from an outsider's perspective. In the film, Preeti's character faces a difficult situation, which sparks debate about her choices and actions.
Kiara Advani has previously addressed criticism related to her role in "Kabir Singh" in a 2022 interview with Bollywood Hungama. She highlighted that the film's portrayal of love and relationships is what made it resonate with audiences. The character's decision to return to Kabir after a tumultuous incident was seen by some as a sign of the complexities of real-life relationships, rather than an endorsement of unhealthy behavior.
In an industry that often grapples with the responsibility of its content and the impact it has on society, Kiara's perspective offers insight into the nuances of storytelling. While acknowledging the criticisms, she also emphasizes the importance of starting conversations through films and learning from them.
"Kabir Singh" may continue to divide audiences, but Kiara Advani's stance on the film encourages us to view it as an opportunity for reflection and discussion on relationships, love, and the portrayal of complex characters on the big screen. It's a reminder that sometimes, it's the grey areas in cinema that help us better understand the complexities of the human experience.
