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'My strength is meaningful cinema'

famous for the critically acclaimed Makdee, Maqbool and Omkara. A heartwarming adaptation of Ruskin Bond's novella of the same name, The Blue Umbrella has Pankaj playing the character Nandkishore Khatri. A chat with the actor, who also happens to be upcoming star Shahid Kapur's father:

What prompted you to play Nandkishore Khatri, a miserly, old and greedy man?

I found the role very appealing and so I accepted it. It was a tough role and not at all as simple as it comes across on-screen. Also, I wanted to experience shooting in the snow. The sequences shot in the snow at below zero temperatures were very challenging.

What kept you going while shooting in such temperatures?

Oh, there was no other way than to sip brandy to keep myself warm! It was fun working on this film; it was altogether a different experience. Even the children were given brandy by diluting it in their milk. After all, we all had to survive the temperature.

So is this an out and out children's film. If yes, isn't it releasing at a wrong time with exams round the corner?

It is not a children's film. There are many children in it playing their respective characters, but the feel and message it delivers is universally significant.

And what is that message?

It's a touching movie that teaches you to stay away from greed and resist temptation. Now tell me who needs to learn this lesson more —children or we adults? The message is clear and so I say it's not just a children's film.

Talking about your part, you adopted the language of the mountains effortlessly. How did you manage that?

It involved a lot of research and in-depth study of the locals. At every 100 km, the dialect changed. I had to travel a lot and make notes. Vishal was very supportive of my effort. It is not just me but all the characters in the movie have done full justice to their roles by picking up the accent and the style of talking.

What do you go for —art cinema or commercial success?

A film is a film, be it art or commercial. It may be good or bad depending on the narrative. My strength is meaningful cinema. Strong script, talented director and satisfying role work for me.