In a captivating masterclass at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), esteemed actor Pankaj Tripathi delved into the nuances of his craft, shedding light on his perspective on language challenges and the evolving definition of stardom.
Tripathi, known for his stellar performances in Hindi cinema, disclosed the reasons behind his hesitancy to explore non-Hindi projects. Despite receiving lucrative offers from the Telugu film industry, he cited the language barrier as a significant obstacle. “I get a lot of good offers from the Telugu film industry, that too for big films. But I’m so busy with my Hindi movie commitments. It is also because I’m not able to speak the languages,” he explained during the discussion at IFFI.
Tripathi, present at IFFI to showcase his latest film “Kadak Singh,” directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, touched upon the challenges of working in multiple languages. The movie, featuring Parvathy Thiruvothu and Sanjana Sanghi, was screened as part of the World Gala Premiere section, showcasing its global appeal.
Addressing the changing landscape of Bollywood, Tripathi commented on the diminishing trend of actors adopting specific mannerisms or styles. “The trend of actors having a certain mannerism or style has diminished now. And even stars want to be called actors now,” he remarked, emphasizing the evolving roles in the industry and the opportunities for actors like him to experiment.
Responding to a point about the lack of credit for his role in the film “Run,” Tripathi reflected on the transient nature of recognition in the industry. “It’s the story of life. Kabhi credit milega, kabhi nahi. But one needs to continue working with honesty,” he affirmed, highlighting the importance of perseverance and dedication in the unpredictable world of cinema.
Tripathi shared insights into his humble beginnings, recounting the days when he carried a Police Inspector’s uniform to secure small roles. He expressed contentment with his journey, stating, “I’m a very content person. I used to feel happy playing the role of a police officer in a daily soap for a week. I never felt like ‘what am I doing? I have never said no to any role. For me, art is secondary, survival is primary.”
When queried about managing fame and the attention he receives, Tripathi offered a grounded perspective. “No one used to know me in Goa 15 years ago, and there is a possibility that no one will remember me 15 years later. So this brings you back on track that it is all false,” he remarked, highlighting the transient nature of fame.
