'PARALLEL CINEMA IS NOT DEAD IT HAS JUST CHANGED ITS FORM'

Veteran actor Pankaj Kapur reflects on what he learns from the current generation of actors, how OTT has given space to new kinds of films, and the dearth of satire in Hindi films

- KARTIK BHARDWAJ

IF one goes through veteran actor Pankaj Kapur's recent filmography, one might conclude that he has become quite selective. Last year he had a minor role in the ZEE5 thriller Lost and gave an impactful performance in Anubhav Sinha's Bheed. In 2024, he reunited with Sinha for the recently released web series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. He will next be seen in Varun Dhawan's niece Anjini Dhawan's debut film Binny And Family, in which he essays the role of a disciplinarian grandfather. During our conversation, Kapur stressed that he is very particular about not being typecast. Maybe that is why his choices can feel selective.

Among other things, we spoke to the National Awardwinning actor about the updated form of Parallel Cinema, what he learned from the current generation of actors and the dearth of satire in Hindi films.

Excerpts:

■ What got you interested in Binny and Family?

The way the story was being told and written by Ssanjay Tripaathy (director) was very appealing. Moreover, the character I was offered felt very close to life. When I read the script, I felt like being a part of this film.

■ You have been part of the industry for over 40 years now, how has your process of choosing a script changed over the years?