Shahid Kapoor sheds over 14 kilos for upcoming film

Actor opened up about the extreme lengths he went to while preparing for role of Kabir Singh

Bollywood star Shahid Kapoor, who will be seen in the title role for the upcoming film Kabir Singh, has received much praise for his take as an alcoholic in its recently released teaser, reported Hindustan Times.

The Jab We Met actor opened up about the extreme lengths he went to in preparation for the role. He shared that it was quite difficult playing Kabir as he was required to smoke cigarettes and pretend to snort cocaine. Shahid also stated that he would have to bathe for two hours straight after the shoot to get rid of the odour before heading home to his children.

PHOTO: HINDUSTAN TIMES

In an interview with Mumbai Mirror, the star said, “I don’t endorse smoking at all. However, the role required it, as the protagonist uses it to channel his angst and rage. It wasn’t easy and it came to a point where I smoked almost 20 cigarettes a day." He added, "It would take me close to two hours to shower and get rid of the smell before I could return home to my kids.”

The film’s teaser also shows the Udta Punjab star much leaner than usual. According to the makers, he has shed over 14 kilos for the film, reported Indian Express.

The actor's trainer Samir Jaura shared that Shahid underwent a heavy regime for his two distinct looks in Kabir Singh. “It is the first time since Ishq Vishk (2003) that Shahid will be seen as a college-goer. So, I put him on a strict 1400 to 1500 calories a day diet, along with extensive cardio sessions to achieve a lean look," said Samir.

PHOTO: NEW INDIAN EXPRESS

To ensure Shahid looked like a puffy, groggy alcoholic, Samir shared, “We had to design his workout in such a way that he looks bigger but not muscular. The original character is a doctor, so it would be inauthentic to have a doctor with six-pack abs.”

Kabir Singh, like Arjun Reddy from the Telugu original, is a brilliant but flawed medical student who takes to drugs and alcohol after he is separated from his girlfriend in the film. Shahid has been shooting for the film in Mumbai, Delhi and Mussoorie for the past few months.

The project is helmed by Sandeep Vanga, who also directed the Telugu original. Among Shahid, Kabir Singh also stars Kiara Advani.

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