Vidya Balan on the misogyny in ‘Kabir Singh’: “The film is not necessarily glorifying it”
by Sahar JunejoVidya Balan has become more open to differing views and beliefs over the years and is hoping that the Bollywood audience can grow to respect them as well.
Speaking at an event held in St. Xavier’s College, Balan said, “Sometimes I watch films even if they are not keeping it to my beliefs. Over the years, I have matured as a person. Previously it used be all black or white for me but today, I understand. I will give you an example of the film ‘Kabir Singh’. There was a huge uproar when ‘Kabir Singh’ released and people questioned how could the film glorify a character as Kabir Singh, who is absolutely disrespectful and violent towards women. Previously, I would have had the same reaction, but today I feel that the film is not necessarily glorifying it. It’s about telling the story of a Kabir Singh and there are enough Kabir Singhs in the world, especially in our country. So, I am okay with that. I can make a choice not to be a Kabir Singh. As a person that choice would be mine. But will I go to the theatre and watch ‘Kabir Singh’? Of course I will. So, I think I have kind of matured.”, Hindustan Times reported.
Balan may be more open to watching films that depict a different perspective than her own, but she still chooses to avoid working in them, “I have been fortunate that I have done work that aligns with my beliefs. Not that I haven’t had the opportunity to do other work, but it’s a choice I made that only I do the work I believe in. Over the past 12 years, I have had the chance to tell stories of women who find their voice and strength, so even if they start off as weak and vulnerable in the film, by the end of it they come a full circle. So, I think I am attracted towards these stories. I had the opportunity to do other stuff but I chose not to. I tried dabbling in it for a bit but I found myself absolutely inconsequential in that space, which is why I didn’t do it.”
Balan will be seen in ‘Shakuntala Devi’, releasing on 8th May.