EXCLUSIVE: Pankaj Kapur talks about working with a confident Anjini Dhawan in Binny And Family; remembers Shahid Kapoor’s Mausam: “I STILL love the work that I did; want to direct again but I can’t be struggling and going from one producer’s office to another”

The veteran actor Pankaj Kapur spoke exclusively to Bollywood Hungama about his film Binny And Family and why he gave his instant nod to this family entertainer. He also spoke about his son Shahid Kapoor and his directorial venture, Mausam (2011).

You are simultaneously promoting your Netflix show IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack as well as Binny And Family. How do you feel and do you enjoy the experience? To be honest, I don’t greatly enjoy it. But I accept it as a part of my job. It’s not like we were not doing promotions for projects earlier. But then, it was very minimal. It wasn’t at such a large scale. A lot of your energy and time now gets consumed by promotions and understandably so. From the youngsters, I understand that there are so many channels and portals. Everybody has their own favourites and it’s important to reach out to all is what I have been told and that this is an essential part of film promotions. I have accepted it with a pinch of salt. If times are changing, you have to adapt yourself.

Anubhav Sinha, the director of IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, said that you have a habit of declining a project as soon as you are given an offer. Did you do the same for Binny And Family as well? (Smiles) No. I accept or decline a project only after going through the script. I loved the story and concept the moment I read it. It’s been ages since anyone has made a film on this topic. With changing times and technology coming head-on, people are becoming less attentive towards family values. I felt this film was important as it talks about the values of togetherness and communicating with each other which will last a lifetime.

When I read the script the first time, the major emphasis was on the grandfather and the granddaughter. This was 4-5 years ago and later, director Ssanjay Tripaathy came to me with the changed script. The concept was the same, which I always liked. I immediately came on board and told the director that I had given my nod the day he narrated the script to me.

How was it working with a newcomer, Anjini Dhawan? Was it overwhelming for her to work with such veteran actors? She comes from a film family and she was aware of what films are and what filmmaking is. It’s not as if it’s completely new for her. She was very confident from day 1. She knew a lot more than most youngsters of her age would. Hence, it wasn’t uncomfortable for her and I gathered that the moment I met her.

As you just said, such films are rarely made. Why is it so, especially when there’s an audience and market for such films? Beta, iska jawab dete dete meri umar ho gayi hai! It’s not like earlier people used to not make films in this genre. Hrisha da (Hrishikesh Mukherjee) and Basu Chatterjee made many slice-of-life films with a focus on family values. Some of them were extremely successful as well. Hence, there’s no reason why (we stopped making such movies). I guess it’s all about perception. Directors and producers assume that such a subject is apt for a direct release on OTT. They don’t realize that if such films are released in cinemas and if they succeed, the impact would be something else. Jo himmat karte hai, woh aisi film bana dete hai. Those who chicken out end up making films which they think would work though they know deep down that a film like this will have acceptance among the audience. They should learn good storytelling. If you have a good story and know how to tell it, the product will reach the audience, especially when you are aided by the marketing teams, who have become quite sharp in today’s times. I just wish that all kinds of cinema were made. This film brings a nice welcome change and we are hoping that the audience will enjoy it in cinemas with their family.

What do you do on the day of your film’s release? Do you check for reviews or its box office collections? Not at all. I leave it to the film’s team simply because it’s not in my hands. My job is only as long as the camera is switched on. Then, it’s for the other people (to take over). These people are not concerned when I am acting on the sets. Similarly, once the film is getting released, it’s their headache that it reaches out to the people. Obviously, it’s a matter of pleasure for the actor to know that his film is drawing an audience. But since these things are not in your control, you can only fret, in case it’s not doing well, or feel happy if it gets accepted.

You play a grandfather in Binny And Family. In real life, too, you are a grandpa. Are there any qualities similar in you and the character in this film? It’s difficult to relate because the character is different from what you are. But some general qualities like adoring your grandchildren, trying to create a bond with them etc. come quite naturally. I won’t say that my personal life as a grandfather is exactly like the one shown in the film.

How is Shahid Kapoor as a father? I think he’s great. He really adores his children. He even adjusts his schedules for them. If he’s shooting in Mumbai, he spends time with them on a daily basis. It’s a wonderful way of bonding with him.

You directed Shahid Kapoor in Mausam. The film didn’t work though it had its share of plusses. Would you like to direct again? I still love the work that I did though I have a lot to learn from the experience. If there’s an opportunity, I’d do it. I have scripts with me but I can’t be struggling and going from one producer’s office to another. This might be an exaggerated view in my head. And I guess I am also a bit lazy (smiles). All my life, I have been used to scripts coming to me and having the freedom to select. Having said that, if there’s an opportunity, I’d love to direct as I love direction.

One of the greatest films in your filmography, Ek Ruka Hua Faisla (1986), is all set to get its remake. Your thoughts? If a film is remade and turns out to be better than the original, that’s wonderful. A good subject is a good subject. Period. Shakespeare wrote plays 500 years ago and even today, people are adapting them. The audience also comes to see it as they are curious to see what the inspiration is this time from a particular actor or director. Having said that, if you have a child at your home and you tell the same story to him again and again, he’ll ask, ‘Can you tell me some other story?’. Similarly, one needs to be aware of the repeat value of the subject. Also, we always have had great writers in our country. Why not read some literature or write stories about people and the society of today? Why not make a contemporary film with fresh thoughts so that they lap it up? The audience will be happy to see it.

Also Read: Pankaj Kapoor on bridging generation gaps; says, “Today’s generation is advanced in many ways from other generations as they have more information”

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