Kunal Kapoor, the actor and filmmaker from the renowned Kapoor family, has ignited a fresh debate on vegetarianism with his recent remarks. In a conversation with Pooja Bhatt on her podcast, Kapoor stated that he views vegetarians "with disdain" and jokingly labeled them as "racist".
Kapoor, son of the late Shashi Kapoor and uncle to actors Ranbir Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor, explained his perspective by highlighting what he considers a double standard. He mentioned that while he always provides vegetarian options for guests in his home, he often finds that non-vegetarian food is not offered when he visits vegetarian households. "I think vegetarians are racist," Kapoor said during the podcast.
Pooja Bhatt, Alia Bhatt's elder sister, responded with amusement, questioning whether that made her a racist as well. Kapoor responded, "Ya, you are because you deny me being a non-vegetarian. On my table, you'll have vegetarian food and non-vegetarian food. But when I go to a vegetarian house, he won't give me non-vegetarian food. But in my house, I'll treat him. I'll give him veg and non-veg food".
Coming from a family known for its love of food, Kapoor's comments quickly gained traction online, sparking diverse reactions. This isn't the first time dietary habits within the Kapoor family have made headlines. Earlier in the year, Ranbir Kapoor faced scrutiny after a video surfaced showing him enjoying non-vegetarian dishes, despite reports that he had adopted a vegetarian lifestyle to prepare for his role in an upcoming film.
Kunal Kapoor's career spans decades, beginning with his debut in the 1972 film "Siddhartha". He has acted in several films, including "Junoon," "Ahista Ahista," "Vijeta," and "Utsav," before transitioning to ad film production. Kapoor returned to acting in the 2010s, appearing in movies such as "Singh Is Bliing" and "Panipat".
The actor's comments have reignited the long-standing debate between vegetarians and non-vegetarians, with many taking to social media to express their opinions. While some found Kapoor's remarks humorous and relatable, others criticized them as insensitive and generalizing. The discussion also brings up questions about food choices, cultural norms, and the extent to which personal preferences should be accommodated in social settings.
