The veteran actor gives his directorial debut priority over his upcoming film, Chala Mussaddi -Office Office

Pankaj Kapur the actor it seems, has gone 'underground'.

The veteran has been so consumed with his directorial debut Mausam, which stars his son Shahid Kapur, that he has been missing from the promotional events of Chala Mussaddi - Office Office, a film in which he stars in.

During the launch of the theatrical promo of the movie last week, Kapur was conspicuous by his absence.

Gulzar, Sajid-Wajid besides the cast that includes Farida Jalal, Manoj Pahwa, Asawari Joshi and Deven Bhojani attended the event.

It was just a day after his Mausam first look launch. The makers were keen on having him at the event, as he is the biggest draw of the movie.

Initial interest

Says a source, "Initially, Pankaj Kapur was excited about the film, but his interest soon started waning. Chala Mussaddi Office Office releases on August 5.

The project needs his support in a big way as it does not have big starry names."

Adds the source, "The veteran actor is citing Mausam as his excuse. As it marks his directorial debut and stars his son Shahid, it needs all his attention.

He has told them it is only Mausam for him now and that he cannot lend his name to any other venture at this stage."

Director Rajiv Mehra however maintains, "Much as Pankaj Kapur would have liked to be part of the promotion, he is stuck with Mausam. I am sure he will be part of it closer to the release date."

But the source adds, "He could not even attend Mausam's first look event for an hour, so taking time out for Office Office's promotions look bleak."

Common man's woes

Office Office, which aired first in 2001, has completed two seasons on TV. Pankaj Kapur as the common man Mussadi Lal tackled corruption, bureaucracy and red-tapism. The show bagged several TV awards.