For the spectators, Pankaj Kapoor is a man of versatile personalities, intelligence and talented, who is working in Indian cinema and theatre. Kapoor has had a long career in the acting field and has set himself a well deserved reputation amongst his peers. Despite the ambiguity between him and others with similar sounding names such as Pankaj Kapur, Pankaj Dheer, Pankaj Singh, Pankaj Sharma it is Pankaj Kapoor who stands out. In this blog post we will look at his path, his contribution to the Indian entertainment industry and why he continues to be regarded as a legend in film and theater.
Early Life and Education
Pankaj Kapoor is born on 29th of May, 1954 in Ludhiana, in the Indian state of Punjab, and he was art inclined since childhood. Thanks to his environment and education, he loved acting, and acting became the job which he chose. Kapoor took up engineering at first but decided to concentrate fully on acting later. The training of the man came from National school of drama NSD, Delhi with other celebrities like Pankaj Kapur etc.
Referral should be made to the fact that there is an actor of the same name, however younger, Pankaj Kapur, who is also a famous Indian actor. Though the professional names are quite similar the two have been able to find their well-defined niches in the industry, they also approach acting in a different manner.
Entry into Indian Cinema
It would be a lie if said that Pankaj Kapoor has entered Indian cinema as a star overnight success. As most theatre actors he started from scratch, with no exception he had to pay a lot of dues as well. His first film appearance happened with the movie Arohan which was directly produced by Shyam Benegal in 1982. Unfortunately it did not make him very popular or commercially profitable especially with the average movie going public but he garnered a good following with critics and fellow filmmakers.
The first of the above referenced Garson was Pyarelal in Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi (1982) who was one of Kapoor’s first definitive roles. Despite only having screen time of about 15 minutes, this was Kapoor’s first international film which was a great achievement for any Indian actor of his time.
Pankaj Kapoor & The Golden Era of Indian Television
whereas Pankaj Kapoor may have defining roles in films; it was Television that made him reach out into the masses and gain the much needed recognition of the millions of viewers in the country. Even called the golden age of the Indian television that took place in the laat 1980s and early 1990s, kapoor was in the front line of it.
He made the household name when he featured as Karamchand, India’s first popular detective T.V. serial. Produced in mid 80s was Karamchand a detective comedy for which Kapoor played the role of a carrot chewing detective Karamchand who solved mysteries on the basis of intelligence. As much as Karamchand was memorable and the show left an indelible mark that it continues to be iconic part of Indian soap opera history.
Films and National Success
While he did find immense success in television, Pankaj Kapoor never lost sight for film either. His comeback to cinema was brightly illustrated by the severe role, and his acting received several national awards. The same year he received a National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor commendation for his work in Raakh, a creation of Aditya Bhattacharya.
Kapoor’s then is not an actor who simply portrays his characters, but the star embodies them to the best by giving real life performances. He was able to execute this in movies such as Ek Doctor Ki Maut (1990) that depicted the story of a doctor who finds a cure for leprosy but fails to get it accepted by the authorities. This movie helped him to win the second National Film Award and strengthen his position of one of India’s best actors.
Essentials of Pankaj Kapoor, to whom versatility can be attributed.
Pankaj Kapoor is one actor who really can do all genres of acting, and is equally good in all. He has done roles varying from a detective in Karamachand, a school teacher in Ek Ruka Hua Faisla (1986) or a ruthless corrupt politician in Maqbool (2003) he has always come up with great natural performances.
In his movies ‘Maqbool,’ a Vishal Bhardwaj’s Directorial venture a screen adaptation of Macbeth, Kapoor portrayed the character Jahangir Khan which resemble to that of Duncan. The character was well enacted and appreciated much, much the film itself set the standards for other Shakespeare plays in Indian films. One of the special features of Kapoor’s career has been the continuity he has brought when moving between commercial and parallel cinema.
Pankaj Kapoor and Theatre
Besides a successful journey with films and television serials, Pankaj Kapoor did not let down his love for theatre. He has actively participated in theatre and has worked under some of the acclaimed directors in Indian theatre today. He is well remembered by the fan for the performances he did on stage and up to date he still encourages more young actors to practice by not relenting on the little practice they do.
This makes the theatre outlet that Kapoor has been passionate about all his life one of the reasons he has been able to maintain his art of purity. Consequently, film has provided him with roles and go with consistent experience as theatres have helped him to retain his/her feet on the ground and keep performing new stories.
Legacy and Influence
Thus, beyond roles, the latter may name Pankaj Kapoor. Now he gives passion to an entire generation of actors who are eagerly waiting for the day they will be able to work with him and see that he is a true actor. He has a son named Shahid Kapoor, who also does movies and it is clear that Shahid got that passion and talent from his dad.
Beside acting Kapoor has also directed some movies.
His first venture as a director was the romantic movie Mausam of 2011 featuring his actor son Shahid Kapoor. The film was the subject of rather mixed reviews but those reviews established Kapoor as capable of developing plot-driven picture and the one willing to tackle intricate storyline.
A Distinction from Pankaj Dheer, Pankaj Singh, and Pankaj Sharma
None the less, there is need to differentiate Pankaj Kapoor from other people with similar names. For example, Pankaj Dheer is another famous actor in India television and film industry he is well famous for his performance of Karna in famous Serial Mahabharat. Likewise, there are political figures such as Pankaj Singh and Pankaj Sharma is well known in the corporate world. But when it comes to acting and the world of movies and stage, Pankaj Kapoor is the guy who is different and renowned.
Personal Life and Further Consequences
For such a successful man, Pankaj Kapoor has ensured to keep as much of his personal life as possible out of the limelight. He has been married to actress Supriya Pathak and the couple has brought up children in acting background. Son Shahid Kapoor and daughter Sanah Kapoor are also working in films and they are also following their father foot steps.
The impact of Kapoor in Indian movie Industry and theater can not be ruled out. Here is his talent for chameleon-like work on different roles, in different mediums and genres loved and appreciated by fans and critics. They are still studying his work to this day and as an actor of India he made tremendous contribution and his work is remembered by everyone.
Conclusion
It is because of this that Pankaj Kapoor, possibly one of India’s most talented actors, knows why he has been acting for more than four decades now. In films, television, or stage, his commitment in acting has placed him well as one of the enduring personalities in the entertainment business. Despite that some may confuse him with other talents that have similar names including Pankaj Kapur, Pankaj Dheer, Pankaj Singh, and Pankaj Sharma among others, it is: Pankaj Kapoor who has such talent and whose work has been unique. Looking to the future it is beyond doubt that his contribution will remain a primary source of motivation for the generations of actors and movie makers.
