Adil Hussain Opens Up on Regretting Kabir Singh: “I Should Have Said No”

| Published: Thursday, October 16, 2025, 14:51 [IST]

Actor Adil Hussain, known for his powerful performances in films like Mukti Bhawan and Life of Pi, has expressed regret over his decision to appear in Kabir Singh, the 2019 blockbuster starring Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani. Despite its massive box-office success, the film has long been criticized for glorifying toxic masculinity – a sentiment Hussain now publicly echoes. In a recent interview, he admitted that he never fully read the script before agreeing to the role and now considers the decision a personal misstep.

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Adil Hussain Reflects on a Decision He Now Regrets

In a candid chat with Mid-Day, Adil Hussain revisited his decision to act in Kabir Singh, admitting that he regrets being part of the controversial film. “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,” he said. Hussain confessed that he initially tried to avoid taking the role by asking his manager to quote five times his usual fee, hoping the filmmakers would walk away – but they didn’t.

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When the Script Looked ‘Brilliant’ but the Film Felt Wrong

The actor shared that he ultimately agreed to participate after reading one scene that he found “brilliantly written.” However, his perception changed dramatically after watching the final cut. “I found it misogynistic. When I saw the film, I thought, ‘What have I done?’” Hussain recalled. He emphasized that his regret was not directed at director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, but at himself for not making a more thoughtful decision.

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Understanding the Backlash Around Kabir Singh

Released in 2019, Kabir Singh was a Hindi remake of Vanga’s own Telugu hit Arjun Reddy. The film followed a gifted surgeon whose heartbreak leads him down a self-destructive path. While it became one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of the year, earning over ₹379 crore, it also received widespread criticism for glorifying abusive behavior and depicting problematic gender dynamics. Adil Hussain’s statement reignites the debate about how Bollywood portrays masculinity and relationships on screen.

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The Actor Takes Responsibility for His Choices

Hussain’s introspection goes beyond criticism – it’s about accountability. “It’s not about what Sandeep Reddy Vanga has done – it’s my responsibility. I could have said no,” he said. The actor revealed that several of his female friends expressed disappointment with his association with the film. Adil’s admission underscores how artists often face moral and creative conflicts when choosing their projects.

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A Clash of Artistic Values and Commercial Cinema

Known for his refined performances in English Vinglish and Life of Pi, Adil Hussain has always championed films that “entertain the soul, not just the senses.” His regret over Kabir Singh reflects the ongoing struggle between meaningful storytelling and mainstream commercial success. While the film elevated his visibility, the actor now sees it as a creative compromise he wishes he had avoided.

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What’s Next for Adil Hussain

Currently, Adil is promoting his upcoming drama Mercy, which has been making waves across international film festivals. The film explores a man’s moral dilemma about ending his terminally ill mother’s suffering on Christmas Eve. Though it doesn’t yet have an Indian release date, Mercy has already drawn attention for its sensitive storytelling – the kind of art that aligns with Hussain’s personal and professional ethos.

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