Actor Shahid Kapoor has come under discussion after reports surfaced that he was uncomfortable shooting in Delhi due to the city’s poor air quality during the filming of Cocktail 2. The film, which features him alongside Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna, was largely shot in Italy, with a few sequences planned in India.

Why Shahid Kapoor Avoided Delhi Shoot

According to a statement from the film’s line producer, Sumit Tyagi, Shahid Kapoor declined to shoot outdoors in Delhi because of severe air pollution and high AQI levels.

The producer revealed that:

• The team was informed Shahid would not shoot in polluted conditions
• Around 5–6 air purifiers were arranged for his comfort
• The devices were mostly symbolic since they could only work indoors
• The planned outdoor shoot was in Gurugram’s Cyber City

Tyagi added that the arrangement was more about assurance than actual effectiveness, as outdoor pollution could not be controlled.

Air Purifiers Arranged on Set

The production team reportedly made last-minute arrangements, including bringing in portable air purifiers within minutes. However, these were not useful for outdoor shoots.

Despite this, Shahid Kapoor allegedly continued working under certain conditions, including wearing a mask during some parts of the shoot.

Producer’s Remarks on Shahid Kapoor

The line producer also commented on Shahid’s working style, describing him as someone who is:

• Very clear about his personal boundaries
• Quick in decision-making on set
• Strict about working conditions
• Unpredictable in terms of on-set flexibility

However, he also noted that the actor’s concerns about pollution were understandable, even if not fully practical for outdoor filming.

Box Office Performance of Cocktail 2

While the film received mixed reactions, its box office performance has reportedly been underwhelming:

• Budget: ~₹150 crore
• Collection: ~₹134.10 crore (reported figures)

The film is said to be struggling to reach expected earnings despite strong cast performances and direction by Imtiaz Ali.

Bottom Line

The controversy highlights a growing issue in North India’s film production landscape—air pollution affecting outdoor shooting schedules. While Shahid Kapoor’s concerns reflect increasing health awareness among actors, the incident also shows the practical challenges filmmakers face while shooting in high-AQI regions.