4 august 2024 : Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah compared working with Pankaj Kapur to playing a competitive tennis match, where both players experience a mix of envy and deep respect for one another. Shah and Kapur, two of India’s most acclaimed actors, reunite on screen in Anubhav Sinha’s Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, which dramatizes the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814.
During a press meet for the show, Shah shared that Kapur’s presence motivates him to put in extra effort. “Working with him is a joy because he is unpredictable and always prepared. It feels like playing tennis — you admire his game and respect it at the same time,” the 74-year-old actor explained.
Kapur, 70, expressed his admiration for Shah, stating that he is always eager to learn from him. “His kind words mean a lot. When I work with him, I’m constantly learning, observing what new things he brings,” Kapur said. “I deeply respect and admire him, and I will cherish his words for years to come.”
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, based on real events, recounts the longest hijacking in Indian aviation history. Shah plays Cabinet Secretary Vinay Kaul, while Kapur portrays Vijaybhan Singh, the Minister of External Affairs. Reflecting on the incident, Shah said he was troubled at the time, fearing it could lead to increased Islamophobia in India, but fortunately, that did not happen.
Shah also felt that the resolution of the crisis lacked closure for the passengers and pilot, leaving him uneasy about the outcome. He was drawn to the project by the opportunity to work with a talented cast, including Vijay Varma, Patralekhaa, Arvind Swamy, Dia Mirza, Manoj Pahwa, and others.
Despite the controversy surrounding the series over its portrayal of terrorists and the use of Hindu code names, critics have praised its storytelling and the performances of the lead actors. Shah believes the success of unconventional films like Sinha’s Mulk and Thappad offers hope for more diverse storytelling.
Kapur, who had read the 200-page script, was impressed by its quality and chose to join the series. He shared a close bond with director Anubhav Sinha, whom he regards as a younger brother, and was eager to work alongside the talented cast.
The six-episode series has sparked debate among viewers, leading to Netflix updating the opening disclaimer to include the real and code names of the hijackers, following a meeting between Netflix India’s content head Monika Shergill and Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju.