Janhvi Kapoor Has No Qualms In Playing A Character Like Kabir Singh; Says Art is Not Supposed To Cater To Societal Norms

Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s movie Kabir Singh and its sado-massocist central character was the point of discussion at every celeb roundtable or interview. Almost all the filmmakers have given their opinion, if such a character whould be glorified and presented on silver screen and now Jahvi Kapoor too have joined the league.

In the latest episode of No Filter Neha, a chat show with Neha Dhupia Janhvi was quizzed if she would ever consider a role like Shahid Kapoor’s divisive one in Kabir Singh and the actress said, why not!

Justifying why she would give a nod for the female version of the controversial character, Janhvi said, cinema as a form of art has all the liberty to bring to life even disturbing character. She chose to refer celebrated feminist and painter Frida Kahlo to prove her point.

“I loved Kabir Singh. I understand people’s concern. I think cinema in our country plays such a big part in creating an impression on the minds of the general public, so I understand why people feel that it might encourage men to act a certain way. But it’s art! It’s not supposed to cater to societal norms, and what is right and what is wrong. It’s one man’s reality, it’s one man’s opinion of someone’s reality. It’s a grey character, that’s the point of it. If you only make sanitised, society-approved empty shells of characters, then what’s the point? He’s supposed to be f**ked up. Isn’t cinema art and isn’t art supposed to be a reflection of yourself. That’s maybe someone’s reality and that’s what they are trying to present on celluloid. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it.

Reasoning why she thinks she further said, “Frida Kahlo painted really disturbing images but it was called feminism because it’s her reality. You can’t filter it, then it’s not art. Then where’s the heart in it?”

Janhvi added that art can make someone feel comfortable and be conversation starters and that it when according to her the purpose is served. “Wouldn’t it be worse if you see a film and just leave? This disturbed some people. Some people loved it and some people hated it. That’s art and that’s what it’s supposed to do.” Janhvi further added.

Janhvi will be next seen in Gunjan Saxena biopic and make her digital debut with Netflix’s Ghost Stories where she stars in a segment directed by Zoya Akhtar.