I used to do comedy during my theatre days, and I was good at that.
— Pankaj Tripathi
I come from a very common family background in a small village, and getting an opportunity from home state to represent the state for an important and sensitive work is an honour for me and my family.
I didn't get much time in between wrapping up 'Shakeela' and commence the shoot for 'Kaagaz.' With whatever time I had on my hands, I did my best to look the part. Instead of hitting the gym, I took up an organic approach to lose weight. I also cut down on oily and junk food and had small meals in between shoots.
I won't lose my mind now that I have fame, nor will I lose myself once it goes away.
As a person, I am still grounded and humble.
Comedy is important, and I do not want to end up being recognised for just one genre.
When people love your work, your responsibilities grow.
I think reading and travelling not only make us good artistes but also broaden our horizons and open our mind. It really helps us to become a good human being.
It was Sultan Qureshi, the character of 'Gangs of Wasseypur,' which brought success as a baddie, but it were the TC and teacher's roles in 'Masaan' and 'Nil Battey Sannata' that broke the villain's mould and helped me successfully explore the other shades - be it comedy, intense, or serious - surprising the audience all the time.
The National Award is a matter of pride for me, and it has also increased my responsibilities towards the country.
I want to do different roles.
If every individual starts listening to poetry, watch plays, and see paintings, they'll become a better human.
I love the vibe that I get on the sets of south films.
I used to work in a hotel kitchen at night and do theatre in the morning. After finishing my night shift - I did it for two years - I used to come back and sleep for five hours and then do theatre from 2-7 P.M. and then again hotel work from 11-7 in the morning.
'Masaan' was a small role, but people connected with it. I loved playing a man who does not have many complexities in life. I was inspired by my father for this role. You find such characters in novel or in stories. You don't find such parts in movies where characters are either good, bad, or grey.
We used to live in a rented house in Mumbai, and now we live in our own house. That, for me, is success.
I had never thought that so many people would know me, will talk about me, and most of all, I will be given a National Award.
Our Bollywood industry works in such a way that when an actor is seen in a gangster's role, he is offered similar roles.
Whatever changes a common man wants to bring in the country, he can bring it through the process of voting.
I just need good scripts, good films, and I am glad I am doing them.
I come from the family of farmers. I am a son of a farmer.
I live in the present.
The audience in the country has evolved, and for them, it is about real characters.
Sharan is a very talented director, well versed with his craft.
I tend to read a lot of books and believe in a certain ideology.
I will make a conscious effort to pick up roles which give a social message besides being entertaining.
In 'Stree,' I play a character who believes that he knows everything. And I play a cop in 'Drive.' It is a different kind of a role. It is not a uniform-wearing character. The film is interesting, since it is a thriller.
I am an aware citizen, so I want my characters to be aware, too. They should be aware of what's happening in the society and make a commentary. They're not in a la la land.
In life, we have two segments: arts and science. We need science to make our lives easier. But what do we live for? We enjoy life through arts. So it's an artistes duty to question the wrongs happening in the society.
Survival is important, art is secondary. If you aren't alive, how can you create art?
I am still a villager who fell in love with acting.
'Newton' is a black comedy, a social satire. Amit Masurkar is directing the movie, and Drishyam films is producing. Rajkummar Rao is in the movie. I am playing a very important character. It is a very interesting project.
My wife used to work as a teacher and support me, and now I can do something for her, which is very satisfying for me.
I did not become an actor to earn money - that I could have done it in my village by becoming a farmer. I wanted to show my craft, which I am so passionate about.
I am playing a principal who also teaches maths in a government school in 'Nil Battey Sannata,' the story of which is based in Agra. He is a simple common man and a very interesting human being. His character will get the audience in splits.
In a democracy, voting is a huge and most important right of a common man.
I am a Sufi guy, so fame is maya for me, a worldly illusion.
I had never imagined that after coming to Mumbai that, as an actor, my dates would be booked in six-eight months in advance.
After some time, there will be another Pankaj Tripathi.
The court dramas shown in films and TV are often superficial. They should have a gripping storyline, which can keep the audience hooked.
Janhvi is a very sincere actress. She respects me a lot, and I, too, respect her for the sincerity and commitment towards her work.
I believe that only a well-read, well-aware individual can make a great leader and build a progressive nation.
Though I have been acclaimed for 'Newton,' but my personally favourite is 'Gurgaon.'
Earlier, I used to take up any role that came my way. But now I feel that I should take time and consider the role before taking it up.
Art makes you a better human being, and that reflects in society.
I never imagined I would be in colourful costumes and dance!
When a man is extremely lonely, he starts discovering himself.
I am happy with my career.
Commercial films give you a wide exposure. For 'Dilwale,' I got calls from countries like Oman. Its reach is huge. Similarly, doing independent projects satisfy the actor in you.
One mistake and all this attention may just disappear one fine day. So I prefer to remain grounded.
