Pankaj Kapur

“If offered a good role, I would like to work in a good Punjabi film. This land has produced great writers, poets and actors.”

“There were certain things that I tried to do on 'Karamchand.' Initially, they were hated, but eventually everyone loved the characterization.”

“Every actor must go through the process of learning and not just be in a hurry to become famous. They should learn to live in small amounts and not to try and copy others.”

“Creativity should be balanced with commercial interests.”

“I am not a person of schedule when it comes to writing.”

“I know that people in Dubai are particularly well read, educated and intelligent and that the audience in front of me will come looking forward to an evening that is different from watching a film. That is the kind of crowd that goes to a theatre or a play and I am hoping to see many of them in Dubai.”

“Over centuries, we have attached too many meanings to religion.”

“Living my early years in Ludhiana, the Halwara base of the Indian Air Force was very close to our house. I would see jets cruise over my head.”

“If you continue working hard and be honest towards your work, then success will come.”

“My job is that of an actor. As long as I get to act, get some interesting parts to play, get to be a part of interesting stories, I would certainly want to do it.”

“I am very lazy.”

“I admit I'm choosy. That's because I like to concentrate on what I'm doing.”

“Our cinema is coming of age, and people are realizing we need to tell different stories differently and in fresh manner and not just do formula stuff and serve it to the audience.”

“Even Dopehri,' if somebody has a bit of imagination, the way it's written, they will be able to see that it's a screenplay with dialogues.”

“For a father, to separate from his son is not easy.”

“We've not given any attention to the people in their 50s and 60s, who need attention, education and engagement, in terms of the society and in terms of their identity as human beings.”

“The Urdu or Hindustani language we use isn't popular in theatre these days. It was a language that was being used in cinema from the 1950s until the '80s. It is a very communicative language.”

“My friend Akshay Upadhyay and I used to write poetry and read out to each other.”

“If you want a good play and a show, you need time to prep for it. Artistes must be allowed to practice without being charged for the practice sessions. Let the auditorium charge for the tickets.”

“In India, writers are underpaid. Universities should start new courses to create more opportunities for them.”