Working with Pankaj Kapur a challenge and opportunity: Naseeruddin Shah

VETERAN actors Naseeruddin Shah and Pankaj Kapur, who have worked together in several films over the past three decades, reunite in the Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.

The series, directed by Anubhav Sinha, is based on the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814.

At a press meet for the show, Shah expressed how working with Kapur is always a challenge and an opportunity for growth.

"It is such a joy to work with him because he is unpredictable and you know that this person has done his preparation. I also make it a point to be completely prepared," Shah said, comparing their dynamic to a tennis match where "you envy his game and you also respect it at the same time."

Shah plays Cabinet Secretary Vinay Kaul in the series, while Kapur portrays Vijaybhan Singh, the Minister of External Affairs.

Kapur expressed his admiration for Shah, saying, “When I'm working with him there's a sixth sense within me which is always ready to learn... He has said such beautiful words for me and I'm going to relish that for the years that are left for me."

The show has drawn attention not only for its storytelling but also for its portrayal of terrorists and use of Hindu code names, sparking some controversy.

Netflix India has since updated the opening disclaimer of the series, including real and code names of the hijackers.

Shah also reflected on the real-life hijacking incident, expressing concern that it could have led to a wave of Islamophobia.

“Luckily, at that time, it didn't,” he noted, though he added that the lack of closure for passengers and the pilot left him feeling uneasy.