New Delhi: It would be hard to discuss Shahid Kapoor’s career without mentioning Kabir Singh, a film that not only shattered box-office expectations but also redefined the actor’s standing in mainstream Hindi cinema. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the 2019 release starred Kiara Advani opposite Shahid and went on to earn over ₹275 crore worldwide, according to industry tracker Sacnilk. The film, a Hindi remake of the Telugu blockbuster Arjun Reddy (2017), became one of the most talked-about releases of the decade—both for its commercial success and the debates it sparked.
However, an interesting piece of trivia about Kabir Singh has resurfaced, revealing that Shahid Kapoor was not the filmmaker’s first choice for the titular role. Before Shahid came on board, the part was offered to Ranveer Singh, who ultimately turned it down. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga himself confirmed this in an earlier interview, explaining that Ranveer felt the character was “too dark” for him at that point in his career.
Ranveer Singh was the first choice
Speaking to iDream Media, Sandeep Reddy Vanga opened up about the process of remaking Arjun Reddy in Hindi and the early conversations that took place in Mumbai following the Telugu film’s massive success. According to the director, there was significant interest from Bollywood producers who wanted to adapt the film for Hindi-speaking audiences.
“I was continuously getting calls from Mumbai to do the remake,” Vanga said. “First, it was pitched to Ranveer Singh. I wanted to do it with him. But finally, he decided he will not do it, because it was too dark for him at that time.”
Ranveer’s decision to step away from the project was based on the intense, self-destructive nature of the character—an aspect that later became one of Kabir Singh’s defining traits. While Ranveer has since portrayed several complex and morally ambiguous characters, at the time he reportedly felt the role did not align with his career trajectory.
Industry doubts over Shahid Kapoor’s casting
After Ranveer Singh declined the offer, the project moved to Shahid Kapoor. At that stage, Shahid was admired for his acting abilities but was yet to deliver a major solo box-office blockbuster. This made his casting a point of concern for many within the industry.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga recalled facing resistance from several quarters over the decision. “After Ranveer passed, Shahid was approached. But people weren’t convinced,” he said. “Shahid’s track record was a concern; none of his solo films had done ₹100 crore then. His highest was around ₹65 crore.”
The director further added that comparisons were constantly drawn between the two actors. “They used to say ₹55 crore or ₹65 crore is the kind of business Telugu movies do. ‘Why are you doing it with this guy? If it was Ranveer, the box office would be higher,’” Vanga revealed.
Despite the scepticism, the filmmaker remained firm in his belief. “But I was always sure about Shahid. He’s a fantastic actor,” he said, standing by what would later prove to be a career-altering decision.
A career-defining gamble that paid off
When Kabir Singh finally hit theatres in June 2019, it exceeded expectations by a wide margin. The film opened to packed houses and sustained its momentum over several weeks, eventually grossing over ₹275 crore worldwide. For Shahid Kapoor, it marked his first entry into the ₹100 crore club as a solo lead and firmly established him as a bankable star.
Beyond numbers, the film also sparked intense conversations around its portrayal of masculinity, relationships and rage. While critics were divided, audiences turned the film into a massive commercial success, proving that the gamble taken by both the actor and director had paid off handsomely.
Ranveer Singh’s present-day box-office dominance
Interestingly, the revelation about Ranveer Singh rejecting Kabir Singh has resurfaced at a time when the actor is enjoying the biggest success of his career. His latest release, Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, has emerged as a record-breaking blockbuster.
According to Sacnilk, Dhurandhar has earned over ₹745 crore in the domestic market and has crossed the ₹1,000 crore mark worldwide. The film, which released in theatres on December 5 last year, has cemented Ranveer’s status as one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema today.
Conclusion
The story behind Kabir Singh serves as a reminder of how casting decisions and creative instincts can shape cinematic history. While Ranveer Singh chose to walk away from the project because it felt too dark, Shahid Kapoor embraced the challenge at a time when his box-office credibility was under scrutiny. The result was a film that became a turning point in Shahid’s career and one of the biggest Hindi hits of its time. Meanwhile, Ranveer’s own journey has proven equally successful, underscoring that in cinema, different paths can lead to equally remarkable destinations.