'I've a substantial role'

Relevant Act

Shahid Kapoor’s Paathshala, which has been ready for the last one year, will finally hit screens next year and the actor says his role is substantial even though it is not long.

“Paathshala is small in comparison to some of the other films that I am doing. Moreover, I am not a quintessential hero in the film. However, it isn’t like I have a special appearance in the film, as has been speculated by some. I have a substantial role that lasts for 30-40 minutes in the film,” says Shahid, who had two releases — Kaminey and Dil Bole Hadippa, this year.

Directed by award-winning Marathi film director Milind Ukey, Paathshala is expected to release in the first half of 2010.

The film brings together Ayesha Takia with Shahid after Dil Maange More and Fool-N-Final. Incidentally, the two had worked together years ago as child artists in a famous commercial for a health drink.

 The film also stars Nana Patekar along with child artists Swini Khara, Ali Haji and Dwij Yadav. Set against the Indian education system, Paathshala deals with the contemporary and socially relevant issues regarding children.

It claims to carry a heartfelt message for children, parents and teachers.

“It’s a socially relevant film and talks about the education system in the country. I am really happy to have played a role in it. I have seen the rushes of the film and really cried throughout. I get really emotional while watching a film.”

“ Even during Taare Zameen Par, I cried throughout and was looking around to see if anyone was watching me,” he said.

Unlike Taare Zameen Par, which was shot on real locations, Paathshala was filmed on a set.

To give it an authentic look, Khan had erected a massive set of a school at Film City, which consisted of class rooms, dormitories, principal's cabin, staff rooms, half a dozen huge corridors, basket ball court, garden, assembly hall, music room and canteen.