Jersey: Shahid Kapoor opens up about working with father Pankaj Kapur at film's trailer launch event

The trailer of Shahid Kapoor's upcoming sports drama Jersey, a Hindi remake of Nani's film of the same name had its trailer launch in Mumbai today. The event was attended by the film's team, including Mrunal Thakur and Pankaj Kapur.

Pankaj, who is the actor's father in real life, plays Coach Chandrashekhar Murthy to Arjun, a thirty six year old cricketer who wants to revive his sporting career. At the trailer launch, Shahid was asked to speak about his experience of working with his father.

"It's very scary to work with your dad especially when he's an actor [himself]," said Shahid. He also shared an anecdote from the set when the two were shooting a scene together, when director Gowtam Tinnanuri was concerned that Shahid's performance would probably not match up to his father's.

Shahid shared that while he had been shooting for the film for about 15 days, it was Pankaj's first day on set.

"I felt he's [Gowtam] is very happy with me, and I am bringing something fresh to the role. So we started the scene, and for some reason Gowtam took his [Pankaj's] shot first. My dad did the take and suddenly I saw Gowtam's experience has changed. I looked at him and said, 'What happened?' Then Gowtam went to dad and told him, 'Outstanding job, sir.' He then walked into a corner alone, and I walked behind him and nervously asked him what had happened. So he says, 'Sir I'm very concerned, will you be able to match his performance in your shot because he's outshining you,'' Shahid told the press, while adding that working with Pankaj had been "nerve-racking."

Shahid said that he is not intimidated by Pankaj, but only holds his father to the utmost respect and regard. "When you're an actor at heart, it's amazing standing in the frame with a great actor, regardless of whether it's my father or not. It's just amazing to see what he does with his craft, and learning from him," said Shahid.

Shahid also said that whether he has shared the screen with the late Irrfan or Tabu, being with them on set is "like learning how to act." He explained that even though he has been in the industry for two decades, he still believes there is a lot to learn, and is privileged to work with an actor of Pankaj's calibre.

Jersey, produced by Dil Raju, S Naga Vamsi and Aman Gill, will hit theatres on December 31.