Kamal Ghorui
Speculation around Shahid Kapoor’s character Kabir Singh entering the universe of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Animal Park’ has been doing the rounds online. The actor, who shot to massive fame with ‘Kabir Singh’, recently opened up about the possibility of such a crossover. Shahid revealed that there were indeed early discussions about featuring Kabir in ‘Animal’. However, practical hurdles prevented the idea from materialising.
A crossover that almost happened
Speaking to Dainik Bhaskar, Shahid Kapoor confirmed that director Sandeep Reddy Vanga had personally approached him during the making of ‘Animal’. A specific cameo featuring Kabir Singh was planned as a part of the narrative. However, matching schedules proved to be a challenge, leading to the scene being dropped. Recalling the moment, Shahid said, “Jab Animal bhi ban rahi thi, actually Sandeep had come to meet me. He wanted one scene of Kabir to be there in that, but woh ho nahi paaya… Kuch dates ka issue ho gaya, koi dusra issue ho gaya. But yes, he had said that I want one scene. Phir wo hua nahi.” (When ‘Animal’ was being made, Sandeep had come to meet me. He wanted Kabir to appear in one scene, but it couldn’t happen due to date and other issues. Eventually, it didn’t work out.)
Director’s call on any future collaboration
Addressing whether Kabir Singh could still appear in Vanga’s cinematic universe, Shahid made it clear that the decision rests entirely with the filmmaker. He stressed that both characters belong to the same creator. Sharing his thoughts, he said, “Wo dono characters unke hain, wo duniya unki hai. Toh unke saath unko jo man mein aayega karne ke liye, wo karenge.” (Both characters belong to him and that world is his. So whatever he feels like doing with them, he will do.)
A common thread of controversy and success
Sandeep Reddy Vanga directed both ‘Kabir Singh’ and ‘Animal’, films that stirred strong reactions from audiences and critics alike. While ‘Kabir Singh’, co-starring Kiara Advani, emerged as a massive box-office hit, it also faced backlash for glorifying toxic masculinity. Similarly, ‘Animal’, featuring Ranbir Kapoor alongside Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna and Triptii Dimri, enjoyed commercial success but was criticised for its intense violence and themes.
What’s next for Shahid Kapoor?
Shahid Kapoor is now gearing up for his next big-screen outing with Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘O’ Romeo’. The film also stars Triptii Dimri and is inspired by S Hussain Zaidi’s book The Mafia Queens of Mumbai. The ensemble cast includes Nana Patekar, Tamannaah Bhatia and Vikrant Massey. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on February 13, adding to anticipation around Shahid’s upcoming slate.
