‘What he wrote was so pure’: Aparshakti Khurana on working with Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia in 'Jab Khuli Kitaab'

Actor Aparshakti Khurana recently opened up about joining 'Jab Khuli Kitaab', the romantic comedy-drama directed by Saurabh Shukla. The actor revealed that he agreed to be part of the film immediately after hearing the script in his first meeting with the filmmaker. In a conversation with Mid-Day, Aparshakti said the process was quite unusual compared to how film narrations usually work in the industry.Khurana explained that actors typically take several days to decide after listening to a script and however, the writing of Jab Khuli Kitaab was so compelling that he did not feel the need to think twice. He said, “Normally, it is a process of 5-10 days. But in the very first meeting with sir, I said, ‘Count me in, I’m all yours.’ What he had written was so pure that no actor attached to the film had to think twice to say yes.” Aparshakti also spoke highly about director Saurabh Shukla’s commitment to the project. According to him, the filmmaker invested nearly two years in writing, directing, and completing the post-production of the film. The actor pointed out that Saurabh Shukla made significant sacrifices during this time, including turning down acting assignments to focus fully on the project. Aparshakti said, “Kudos to him (Saurabh) for taking [almost] two years out of his life to write and direct, and the post production [despite being a] busy actor. It’s a tedious process. It takes a lot to say no to those films and the money. I don’t know many actors who have been able to do that.”One of the highlights of the film for Aparshakti Khurana was working alongside veteran actors Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia. The two play the central characters in the story. While describing the experience, Aparshakti said he had immense respect for both performers, calling them legends in the industry. However, he noted that the director ensured a balanced and equal atmosphere on set. According to him, everyone on set was treated equally regardless of their experience or stature, “These two people are legends. [However], Saurabh sir created an environment that everybody was equal on set. Once you reach the set, you are Advocate Negi and not Aparashakti. You only see Gopalji (Kapur) and Anusuya (Kapadia), not them.”Aparshakti also spoke about the refreshing simplicity of the film’s storytelling. In an era where many big films rely on large-scale action and spectacle, he believes Jab Khuli Kitaab offers something different.The actor said the film’s narrative and characters provide a calm and meaningful experience for both performers and viewers, adding that his character even has a unique position within the story. He said, “And, in the film, they need my services more. So, I think, I did have an upper hand there,” he laughs, before adding, “It’s amazing to walk hand in hand with so many people. I think in the chaos of all the maar-dhaar happening in the big films, this simplicity was required both for an actor and audience.”'Jab Khuli Kitaab' is a Hindi-language romantic comedy-drama written and directed by Saurabh Shukla. The film stars Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia as an elderly couple who decide to seek a divorce after spending 50 years of marriage together. The project was officially announced in December 2021. Interestingly, the story was first written as a screenplay before Saurabh Shukla adapted it into a stage play for the Aadhyam theatre festival. The film released on Zee5 on March 6, 2026.