Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor has recently found himself at the center of controversy over remarks made during his podcast appearance, leading many to speculate whether he took aim at superstar Salman Khan. Currently gearing up for the release of his film Deva, Shahid's comments quickly went viral and triggered debates about the culture of self-importance within the film industry.
During the podcast with Raj Shamani, Shahid humorously pointed out how some actors tend to have what he described as "inflated sense of self." The comedian's imitation of exaggerated facial expressions led him to label some actors as "full of themselves." This prompted audiences to wonder if he was subtly referring to Salman Khan, leading to confusion and backlash from fans and the media.
Responding to the wave of criticism, Shahid took the stage at the HT City's Stars in the City event held in New Delhi, where he set the record straight. "Haan, but mujhe ek-do logo ne message kiya aisa soch ke. Main toh honestly naa aise hi baat kar raha tha, socha bhi nahi tha (One or two people even texted me about this thinking the same. I didn't even think when I was responding, I just said it like this)," he explained, conveying his surprise at the misinterpretation of his comments.
Emphasizing his respect for Salman Khan, Shahid continued, "But if I want to take a dig, it will never be at somebody who is so senior, so established, and who I have so much respect for. Just to clear it out!" With these clarifications, Shahid aimed to dispel the rumors, asserting his admiration for Khan and addressing the fans who felt uncomfortable with the initial remarks.
Shahid's comments come as he prepares for the release of Deva, which is anticipated to experience significant success at the box office. Early estimates suggest the film could open with somewhere between Rs 5-10 crore, buoyed by impressive advance bookings already totaling Rs 1.5 crore—a promising sign for Shahid's big-screen return.
The actor’s remarks during his podcast discussion reflect not only the realities of the Bollywood industry but also the sensitivities surrounding celebrity interactions. It showcases the fine line actors must tread when discussing their peers, as comments could easily be misconstrued, leading to public fallout.
Shahid’s humorous take on the industry’s culture may resonate with many fans, yet the misinterpretation serves as a lesson about the weight words carry, especially when discussing respected personalities like Salman Khan who have laid the groundwork for generations of actors. Fans will likely look forward to both Deva's release and their favorite stars continuing to engage with each other positively.
Despite the controversy, one thing is clear: Shahid Kapoor's intentions lie not with bitterness but instead with appreciation for his fellow actors. The film industry, filled with its share of highs and lows, continues to captivate audiences as actors navigate their careers and relationships within this tight-knit community.