For decades, a specific rumor has followed veteran actor Pankaj Kapur through the halls of Bollywood: the idea that he is a “difficult” person to work with. Recently, while promoting his latest project, Jab Khuli Kitaab, the National Award-winning actor finally addressed this reputation, revealing that the “difficult” tag actually stems from a very simple, professional request he made early in his career.
The “Script” That Changed Everything
According to Kapur, his reputation began almost immediately after he moved to Mumbai following his training at the National School of Drama (NSD). In an era where the film industry operated on loose outlines and last-minute dialogues, Kapur’s disciplined approach was seen as an anomaly.
“When I came from the National School of Drama and started finding work, I was asked to play a certain part. I asked for a script, and they said I’m a difficult actor for asking for one,” Kapur shared in a recent interview. He explained that in those days, it was common for even the biggest stars to show up on set without having read a full script. Often, scenes were written on the spot or handed over just minutes before the camera rolled.
A Conflict of Training and Tradition
Kapur’s insistence on a bound script wasn’t about ego; it was about his craft. His formal training taught him that to truly inhabit a character, he needed to understand the entire “structure of things.”
“My training said that without a script, without me knowing what I’m doing and without working on the character… I couldn’t perform.”
Because he refused to work without knowing the full arc of his role, many producers and directors were put off. Over time, this professional boundary was misinterpreted by the industry as arrogance or a “challenging” nature.
Selective, Not Difficult
The actor, famous for iconic roles in Karamchand, Office Office, and Maqbool, clarified that he isn’t hard to get along with—he is simply selective. He noted that filmmakers who provide a structured, well-written script never have issues collaborating with him.
“If that makes me difficult, then yes, I embrace being difficult,” he said with a touch of wit. He emphasized that he only takes on roles that offer something fresh or substantial, often turning down “crude” humor or repetitive parts he has already explored in the past.
A Legacy of Independence
The conversation also touched upon his family, specifically his son, Shahid Kapoor. Kapur expressed immense pride in the fact that his children built their careers on their own merit. Just as he stood his ground regarding his work ethics, he encouraged his children to face the industry’s challenges without using his name as a crutch.
As Kapur continues to take on nuanced roles in his 70s, his “difficult” reputation appears more like a badge of honor—a testament to a man who chose artistic integrity over industry convenience. To know
such latest updates tuned tellyboosters.com Thank you!
