Veteran actor Pankaj Kapoor, known for his phenomenal acting skills, recently opened up about his decision to step away from directing after his debut film Mausam failed to perform well at the box office. Released in 2011, Mausam starred his son Shahid Kapoor alongside Sonam Kapoor, but despite high expectations, the film didn’t fare well with audiences.
In a candid interview, Pankaj Kapoor shared his thoughts on why Mausam was his first and only film as a director, shedding light on his experience as a filmmaker and why he hasn’t ventured into directing again.
“I Can’t Knock on Doors to Sell My Film” – Pankaj Kapoor on His Directorial Experience
Talking to India Today, Pankaj Kapoor revealed the reason behind his absence from direction post Mausam. He explained, “Mausam is the only film I’ve written and directed. I have more scripts with me, but I don’t have the nature to go from door to door to sell my films. That’s not who I am.”
Kapoor elaborated that while he enjoys the art of filmmaking, he doesn’t have the patience to struggle with the process of getting a movie greenlit. “I love direction, but I cannot struggle to get a film made,” he said.
Pankaj Kapoor Is Still Open to Directing – But Only If the Right Opportunity Comes
Despite his reluctance to actively seek out projects, Kapoor hasn’t completely closed the door on directing. He shared that if someone approached him with interest in his script, he would gladly consider the opportunity. “If someone asks me if I have a script, I’m ready to narrate it. If they like it and give the go-ahead, I’m open to directing again,” he stated.
However, for now, Pankaj Kapoor remains more focused on acting. “After Mausam, I decided to focus on acting more, and when the right opportunity comes for direction, I’ll take it.”
Pankaj Kapoor’s Recent Work in ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ Gains Attention
Pankaj Kapoor is currently in the limelight for his stellar performance in the recently released web series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack on Netflix. The series, directed by Anubhav Sinha, is based on the real-life hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane in 1999. Kapoor plays the role of Union Minister Vijaybhan Singh, and his portrayal has been highly praised by audiences and critics alike.
The series also features a powerhouse cast including Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Verma, Patralekha, Arvind Swami, and Dia Mirza. IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack recounts the gripping events that unfolded when five hijackers took control of a plane flying from Nepal, leading to an international crisis.
The Rise and Fall of ‘Mausam’ at the Box Office
Mausam was released on 23rd September 2011 and marked Pankaj Kapoor’s debut as a director. The film had a star-studded cast with Shahid Kapoor in the lead, alongside Sonam Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Aditi Sharma, and Supriya Pathak. Despite a strong cast and memorable music, the film struggled at the box office and earned around ₹30 crore domestically.
The romantic drama set across different timelines and locations had grand expectations but failed to leave a lasting impact on its audience. However, the film’s songs were well-received and continue to be remembered fondly by fans.
While Mausam didn’t meet expectations, Pankaj Kapoor remains one of the finest actors in the industry, with a body of work that continues to inspire and entertain. Whether he returns to directing or remains in front of the camera, his contributions to Indian cinema are undoubtedly significant.
