I was chasing dad to make a film for me: Shahid

Pankaj Kapur: I agree that there has been a delay by a week,but as they say it’s all for the best. My film is getting a worldwide release,which wouldn’t have been possible on September 16 because by the time we got the Censor Certificate,the overseas prints had got delayed. They wouldn’t have reached by the scheduled date though we could have released it in India. After discussing the pros and cons,we decided to release it on 23rd all over. Also,till a week ago,I was completely tied up in the post-production and not able to be a part of the film’s promotions. Thanks to the delay,I have got an opportunity to rectify that. (Smiles)

Shahid Kapoor: Trust me, even a week’s delay seems like a lot because not only me,the entire team has been concentrating on the film for the last two years. However,if that works out in favour of the film,I am willing to go the extra mile. After all,we have worked hard. Also,the film needed to be promoted by dad. He has been in the industry for 35 years and people had to have his perspective.

Can you tell us which was the scene that Indian Air Force found objectionable?

SK: First,let me tell you that the Indian Air Force has been associated with the film from day one and all the scenes have been done in collaboration with them,to make them authentic. There was one action scene that was computer-generated and couldn’t have been shown earlier to the IAF. When we did,they wanted a technical change in a 30-second scene.

PK: (Cuts in) You know any job requires time and since this involved computer-graphics I needed a little more. After I inculcated the changes,I realised that they have only enhanced the scene.

Did you always want to make your directorial debut with Shahid?

PK: No,I hadn’t thought about it. I have been writing scripts for long but since I was busy with my acting assignments I didn’t get time for my directorial venture. One day,Shahid told me to make a film with him. Initially,I thought I will use one of the scripts that I have already written. But then I realised I should have one specially written for my son,one that gives him a different acting experience,a role he has never done before. I wrote a story about unconditional love,and when I showed it to Shahid,he immediately agreed to do it.

SK: I was literally chasing dad to make a film for me. Without taking away from Kaminey,Jab We Met or even Vivah,I must say this role is extremely challenging as my character goes through a lot of changes and ups and downs. It’s a love story spanning 10 years –– starting from the age of 18 to 28 –– and my character starts from a small village in Punjab,goes abroad and is a part of IAF. I devoted over a year for the film to get the body language,the dialogue and the look right.

Shahid,what did you learn from your father during the making of the film?

PK (cuts in) : On the contrary,it was I who learnt a lot from Shahid. I learnt to be patient and the art of working amicably with the team.

SK: Dad is just being kind. There’s a lot I can imbibe from him. Five years ago,when I told him I wanted to be an actor,he gave me an advice that made a huge impact on me. He said,“Always remember,on the big screen,less is more.” It sounds simple but there’s a huge lesson there.

How many times did you get a scolding from your dad on the sets,Shahid?

SK: Hardly ever. Dad is not the kind who yells or scolds. Even as a child I don’t remember ever being hit or shouted at by dad. If he was upset he would just stop talking and go to another room.

PK: I have never raised my hands on or scolded my kids. As a director,my job is to make the actors comfortable and create a congenial working atmosphere. This can be done only with love and understanding.

Didn’t you feel uncomfortable doing romantic scenes,with your father present on the sets?

SK: Dad has written the love story and the romantic scenes. We share a open relationship and I am comfortable discussing all the scenes with him.

What was your equation on the sets as a father-son and director-actor?

PK: As a father it was wonderful to have Shahid by my side as he took the pressure as well as certain responsibilities. He was always there for me. As a director,I must say that Shahid has created a space of his own and has great potential that will be unveiled.

SK: My father is in a league of his own. Today we have so many opportunities but dad’s generation of actors has made it through difficult times. The best thing about him is he desires simple things. He is happy with his little car and house but I want to see him acquire big things and I have the good fortune to do it. As a director,he advised me there are two ways to act,one is with loud expressions and the other is being subtle and natural. He also has the ability to push the actor to give his best.

Shahid grew up with his mother,so did you miss out on his childhood?

PK: Though he grew up with his mother,there was not a moment we did not interact with each other. And when he decided to settle in Mumbai I told him to buy a flat near mine. He was assisting me when I started directing TV serials Mohandas B.A.L.L.B. and Drishtant. I think that’s when the seeds of becoming an actor were sown.

Would you say that the film has brought the two of you closer?

PK: Not just the two of us,it has brought the entire family together. Besides Shahid,my wife Supriya (Pathak) is acting in it. My other two children,Rohan and Sana,assisted me. We bonded together creatively. We were like five pillars handling each department. Off the sets,we supported each other through difficulties. We would have lunch together during the breaks and analyse the day’s work. No amount of talking would have bonded us the way working in this film did.

SK: I agree and I must tell you that dad cannot function without Supriyaji. (Grins)

chaya.unnikrishnan@expressindia.com