Shahid Kapoor's portrayal of Tommy Singh in Abhishek Chaubey's 2016 crime drama "Udta Punjab" remains one of the most transformative roles of his career. The film, which delves into the pervasive issue of drug abuse in Punjab, saw Kapoor play a drug-addled rockstar, a character far removed from his previous roles. In a recent interview, Kapoor revealed his initial reaction upon being offered the role, a reaction that stemmed from both surprise and a deep desire to explore uncharted territory as an actor.
"Why me?" This was the first question Shahid Kapoor posed to director Abhishek Chaubey when approached for "Udta Punjab". Kapoor, known for his romantic roles and "boy-next-door" image at the time, was taken aback by the offer to play Tommy Singh, a volatile and drug-dependent musician. Chaubey himself admitted he was not sure about casting Kapoor initially. The actor, however, saw it as an opportunity to break free from his established image and delve into a character with significant depth and darkness.
Kapoor articulated his reasoning to Chaubey, explaining that he feared being typecast and wanted to challenge himself with a role unlike any he had done before. He felt that if he didn't take on such roles, he would remain just Shahid Kapoor. This desire to push his boundaries resonated deeply with Chaubey, who was impressed by Kapoor's eagerness to embrace the complexity of Tommy Singh.
To prepare for the role, Kapoor immersed himself in the world of music and drug culture, drawing inspiration from various pop stars to create a unique persona for Tommy Singh. Despite being a teetotaler himself, Kapoor meticulously crafted the character's mannerisms, aggression, and vulnerability, earning widespread acclaim for his performance. He was interested in showcasing the character’s vulnerability, regardless of his obnoxious actions.
"Udta Punjab" faced significant controversy with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which demanded extensive censorship due to its portrayal of Punjab. The producers challenged these demands, sparking a debate about freedom of expression. Ultimately, the Bombay High Court cleared the film for release with only one scene cut.
The film also starred Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Diljit Dosanjh. Interestingly, Kapoor played a crucial role in bringing Bhatt on board. While shooting "Shaandaar" with Bhatt, Kapoor discussed "Udta Punjab" with her, and she expressed keen interest in the script. Kapoor then suggested to Chaubey that he consider Bhatt for a role. Initially, Chaubey was hesitant, having only seen her in "Student of the Year" and doubting her ability to portray such a character. However, after watching her performance in "Highway," he recognized her potential and eventually cast her in the film.
"Udta Punjab" proved to be a critical success, with Kapoor receiving the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Tommy Singh. The role not only expanded his acting repertoire but also allowed him to contribute to a film that addressed a significant social issue. Looking back, Kapoor considers Tommy Singh to be one of the most transformative and challenging characters he has played, a role that has had a lasting impact on his artistic journey. On the 9th anniversary of the movie's release, Kapoor reflected on the character, noting that flawed protagonists seem to be in fashion now.
