Never played a character I didn’t like: Kiara says 'Kabir Singh' highlights toxic relationship

It's almost been a decade ever since Bollywood actor Kiara Advani debuted in the industry with a rather forgettable film, Fugly. The actor, who has since then starred in a handful of films, has managed to make several headlines; be it her extravagant wedding to fellow co-star Sidharth Malhotra, her impeccable style sense, or her journey from a timid Preeti to strong-headed Katha, Kiara has proved she's here to stay.

In a cover story with Femina India, the Guilty star shed light on her personal life, career choices and the criticism following that as well as her upcoming projects.

Actors first - always

In February of this year, Kiara tied the knot with fellow actor Sidharth in a gorgeous ceremony in India. The couple, who had often kept mum on their romance, didn't really confirm the courtship until they tied the knot in an intimate affair. Their love blossomed on the sets of the award-winning film, Shershaah, in 2021. The duo essayed the lead couple and became intimate. Since then, Sid and Kiara had been making headlines in every tabloid about their then-rumoured relationship.

“Before we were married, it was an issue because we wanted to protect our relationship," the actor told the publication. However, she doesn't want her private life to be the only topic she gets to talk about. “We are both self-made actors and have earned our spaces in the industry on our own. It’s something that we’ve put so much hard work into that we would not want it to be taken away by having the focus shift to our personal lives," Kiara explained.

“But, yes, it was a beautiful union, and, of course, we wanted to share it with everybody," she went on. "We are public figures, and a certain inquisitiveness comes with it – which is fine. It’s even sweet. But it cannot take away from our work. We are actors first and that’s what we want to be known for.”

On career graph

After the first initial bumps, Kiara's last few offerings have been well-received by the audience. Her latest offering, Satyaprem Ki Katha alongside Karthik Aaryan was lauded by fans and critics alike, with many saying this might be Kiara's best performance so far.

Discussing her journey in Bollywood, the actor commented, “So, the one thing that has not changed since the beginning is my decision-making process,” she reveals. She reveals she's now offered more nuanced roles. “Today, when I meet people, it feels nice when they want to work with me or that they’ve written a role keeping me in mind. The difference is that, instead of four, I have 10 scripts to choose from.”

Kiara furthered she isn’t making notes on her character or feeling excited about going on set, she doesn’t commit. “That’s how I’ve always looked at it because a movie is a huge commitment – a lot of people’s investment, hard work and energy is at stake. So, I should be all in. Whatever happens later, whether it does well or not, it is a learning experience. A part of the process and the journey.”

Even after delivering several commercial hits, Kiara revealed she still doesn't feel secure as an actor. “Not really…” she continued. “Actually, not at all. I was thinking about it just the other day. When I started off, my choices were riskier. I made those decisions purely because I wanted to do something different.”

She went on, “The roles I have played have always thrown light on my thought process and where I have been at different phases of my life. I wanted critical appreciation and these roles gave me a lot of satisfaction and fulfillment. I have started making movies where the role is exciting and fulfilling as an actor, but, at the same time, it is a film that you can watch with your entire family, and it still leaves you with a thought,” she shares

Talking about her latest film Kiara added, “I think I’m very, very proud of Satyaprem Ki Katha. I’m glad I did it. It’s given me the most fulfilment. It feels like a big step in the right direction.”

On Kabir Singh criticism

Kiara's 2019 film, Kabir Singh, received ample praise and criticism. The actor was previously called out for essaying a 'weak' character, Preeti, in the film. Kiara, however, stands firm by her stance of justifying the role, four years down the line.

“I have never played a character I didn’t like," she said. "If I don’t like my character, I better not be doing the movie. We need to accept that there are all sorts of people. We can’t cancel everyone,” she remarked, sharing how some people might have found Kabir Singh unpalatable, but at least it drew attention to unhealthy relationships. “If Kabir Singh didn’t start a conversation, that would be problematic. But it did, and that’s a great thing. What we can do is grow from it. That is what matters.”

The actor said she believes she's "discovering various aspects of myself through my work." Kiara said, "I am evolving with each film, not just as an actor but as a person.”

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