Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor feels there is a distinction between a "hero" and a "protagonist," and Kabir Singh was neither the hero nor the anti-hero in the movie.

In an interview with a local daily, Shahid Kapoor has once again tried to defend his blockbuster film "Kabir Singh" which was criticised for glorifying abusive behaviour.

Shahid stated that as someone who witnessed "physical abuse as a child," he understands the criticism levied against the film.

Shahid believes that Preeti, played by Kiara Advani in the film, was the stronger character of the two, using the example of how Devdas attacks Paro. "I've seen physical abuse as a child, I know what you're talking about" Shahid remarked, referring to the film's "dysfunctional love story."

"In real life, I'm nothing like Kabir Singh. I don't drink, I'm very family oriented, and I would never, ever raise my hand on a woman.  However, as an actor, I am required to play a variety of characters, and you are not required to like them. You should be pleased with my performance," added the actor.

Shahid was devastated by the film's naysayers' holier-than-thou attitude following its box office triumph. "I dislike people who believe that their way is the only way and that everyone else is wrong. I dislike those people just because they are placed on a pedestal. That is exactly what happened when Kabir Singh was released; many individuals refused to admit that people liked the picture."

"Everyone deserves a second chance, even if they're the worst person. He was never described as a great guy, but I suppose for some people, it becomes about right and wrong, but all kinds of things happen in life, and that's okay, and we can show them," concluded the actor.

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"Kabir Singh," directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, grossed more than Rs 350 crore globally and is Shahid's highest-grossing film as a leading actor.