Aparshakti Khurana says 'working with Pankaj Kapur can naturally feel intimidating' - Exclusive

Aparashakti in Jab Khuli Kitaab

• Aparshakti Khurana plays a lawyer in Jab Khuli Kitaab on Zee5
• Film mixes humor and emotion, stars Dimple Kapadia, Pankaj Kapur
• Aparshakti praised director Saurabh Shukla for a supportive set

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Actor Aparshakti Khurana has made a name for himself in the Hindi cinema thanks to his charming on-screen persona and ease to do different roles.

Whether hosting events, creating music albums, or paying supporting roles, Aparshakti has successfully balanced manv ariety artistic endeavours.

He is seen playing an interesting role of a lawyer in his most recent film, Jab Khuli Kitaab, which is available to view on Zee5.

Veteran actors Dimple Kapadia and Pankaj Kapur play the lead roles in the Saurabh Shukla-written and -directed movie, which centers on an old couple who are considering divorce in their later years.

In an exclusive conversation with Moneycontrol, Aparshakti revealed that the movie's story perfectly blends humour with emotional depth and that was the reason that he was instantly attracted to the project.

Aparshakti plays the role of a lawyer, who finds himself handling the unusual case of an elderly couple seeking separation after decades together.

He said that the emotional core of the story Jab Khuli Kitaab makes it both relatable and refreshing.

“This film strikes a great emotional chord along with humour. You can talk about any character, though my favourite character in this movie is Dolu. I think both lead characters Gopalaji (played by Pankaj sir) and Anasuya played by Dimple ji, there is something which is very differently written. A lawyer gets a case about uncle and aunty wanting to divorce each other in the later stages of life. It is something very unheard of. It has been a a very well thought and well written world of these two in this movie. I feel so glad that Saurabh (Shukla) sir picked me to be a part of it. All 30-32 days when we were shooting this film in Ranikhet, we all had a lot of fun during the shoot," he said while joining us for the interview from his car.

Watch the exclusive interview of Saurabh and Aparshakti

Working alongside seasoned actors like Pankaj Kapur was an experience that came with both admiration and a certain sense of nervousness.

Also Read; Saurabh Shukla says hit jackpot with Dimple Kapadia and Pankaj Kapur in Jab Khuli Kitaab

Intimidated while working with Pankaj Kapur 

When asked if he was intimdated while working with seasoned actor Pankaj Kapur, Aparshakti admitted that sharing the screen with someone of Pankaj Kapur's stature naturally creates a sense of intimidation.

"It's inevitable to feel intimidated because he's extremely talented. We've all grown up watching legendary films and characters Pankaj sir has done. My first experience with him was Phatichar on DD, then Office Office, and all the other stuff followed. That was a time when Irrfan Khan, Pankaj Kapoor - all the biggies of the industry were doing television, and doing great work. Pankaj sir is one of the legends of acting in our country, if I may say so. We often casually call people or actor's legend, but it's not just a slang; Pankaj sir truly deserves it."

Aparshakti also credited the film’s director Saurabh Shukla for creating a comfortable environment on set that allowed actors to perform freely and bring authenticity to their characters.

“But having said that, it is really the energy which is created on the film set and that is only and only created by the captain of the ship and I think it speaks volumes about Saurabh sir’s upbringing as a creative person. He treated everyone equally on the set and gave confidence to all the actors to say and do things the way they want to. I think that is something which is very important for the creative juices to flow and that particular stance can only be given if you are wired accordingly. It was beautifully done by Saurabh sir," he added.

Apart from acting, Aparshakti has also explored music and hosting, something he says comes naturally because of the environment he grew up in. The actor believes success lies in being able to pursue the things one genuinely enjoys.

Praise from elder brother  and actor Ayushmann Khurranna

Recently, Aparshakti was praised by his elder brother and actor Ayushmann Khurranna. Ayushmann said during a session that he believes Aparshakti is more successful than him.

The younger Khurana believes his journey has been shaped by the upbringing he received at home.

"My brother said this because I am able to do what I want to do. I think success actually means this only which is that you are able to do what you've wanted to in life. It's happened because of the upbringing my brother and parents gave me - creative and otherwise. It helped me do all these things because then it becomes difficult for an actor to be accepted as a host, musician. I love doing everything together. I am always on the go and love doing different things," he said.

From radio and television hosting to acting and singing, Aparshakti’s journey has been anything but conventional.

With Jab Khuli Kitaab, he adds another layered role to his filmography, standing alongside legends while quietly leaving his own mark on the story.