Bollywood star Shahid Kapoor, known for his versatile performances, recently opened up about one of his most challenging roles: Tommy Singh in the 2016 film 'Udta Punjab'. During an interactive session, Kapoor shared his initial disbelief at being cast as the controversial drug-addict musician, a character far removed from his personal reality.
The Initial Doubt: "Why Me?"
Recalling his conversation with director Abhishek Chaubey, Shahid Kapoor disclosed that he directly questioned the filmmaker's choice. "I don't drink. I've never been high; I don't know how to do this. So this is as far away from my reality as it can get," Kapoor stated at the IFP session. Chaubey's response was a testament to his faith in the actor's craft: "But I think you’re a good actor, and if you’re a good actor, you should be able to do something which you have not done in your life." This conviction pushed Kapoor to embrace the role.
Preparing for the Unreal: Footage and Coffee
To perfect the portrayal of addiction and the rockstar persona, Kapoor relied heavily on reference material provided by the director. He revealed that watching a lot of footage was crucial to understanding Tommy Singh's psyche. The physical transformation and routine were equally demanding. Since most of the film was shot at night, Kapoor survived on "very little food, surviving a lot on black coffee." He described Tommy Singh as one of the "most experimental characters" of his career and labelled the overall experience "unreal."
The Legacy and Controversy of 'Udta Punjab'
Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, 'Udta Punjab' was released in theatres in June 2016 and featured an ensemble cast including Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Diljit Dosanjh. The film was a commercial success but stirred significant controversy for its stark portrayal of the alleged drug epidemic in Punjab.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) was heavily involved, reportedly demanding 89 visual cuts and even suggesting the removal of 'Punjab' from the title. Despite these hurdles, the film sparked national conversations and remains a notable entry in the filmographies of all involved, showcasing Shahid Kapoor's ability to delve deep into a character wildly different from himself.
