Pankaj Tripathi : I am indebted to my viewers for bestowing so much love!

Known for ease in acting #PankajTripathi is a recipient of two National Film Awards, which establishes his power as a performer. He rose to fame with his supporting role in the film, “#GangsofWasseypur”, in which he essayed the role of ‘#Sultan.’ His portrayals in #Fukrey, #ManjhiTheMountainMan, #Massaan, #Mirzapur were also well appreciated by the critics and audience. Tripathi was honoured with a National Film Award-Special Mention for Newton. Again this year he won #NationalFilmAward for Best supporting actor for Mimi. In October 2022, the Election Commission of India announced Pankaj Tripathi as the National Icon of the commission. Recently in September Pankaj inaugurated a library at a school in Belsand, Bihar as a tribute to his father. Pankaj Tripathi interacted with our Asst. Editor Ms. Nisha Verma and spoke at length. Excerpts from the conversation with inputs from our Sr Editor Keerti Kadam….

What is the secret that you’re not aging?
Yoga and a healthy lifestyle. When I am shooting, I do not believe in eating heavy food. On sets I have only Khichadi. It’s lighter and keeps you energetic. I do not like to have full, heavy meal and perform in front of the camera. I prefer having only Khichadi during shoots. Most of my co-stars have had Khichadi with me and they can vouch for the difference. I am not against anyone having anything on sets. But my idea is clear and I love my Khichadi as it keeps me healthy and alert.

Our parents showed us Mythological and religious films Today’s films are creating controversies, why so?
They must be making a reason for controversy to happen. Controversy arises after watching the film. To say whether Water is sweet or sour for that water has to be tasted. Without tasting how can one give their opinion? Everything false written or spoken about OMG 2 has no truth in it. I only regret that the age group of 12-18 years for whom it is necessary to watch, but they won’t be watching in theatres according to the law.

As an actor OMG 2 will take you on a new milestone than your previous craft?
I was waiting for long on that milestone but the bus didn’t arrive to pick me.Then one fine day, the bus came and from that milestone it took me to Madh. (Laughs) For OMG 2, I have worked very honestly just like the rest of my films. Yes the responsibility here was large. I’d like to thank Akshay Sir who narrated to me the entire story during COVID over a zoom call along with the writer and the director. He was thorough with the script. He said while he got quarantined for 14 days, he read the script. Akshay Sir was sure that I was perfect for the role but director Amit Rai wasn’t. After shooting for 3 days, the director told me now apart from you I can’t think of anyone who can play Kanti, who’s such a devotee and you’ve come with devotion on your face. Kanti is a Shiv Bhakt, he performs spiritual activities. An incident happens in his life which takes him to court room. In the film, 60% is the court room drama where me and Yami are arguing. Yami has played it very well. My wife watched the movie and told me whichever point Yami is putting forth is true and valid.

Apart from acting you are a good writer too. You write your own lines many a times….
Not always. When I am performing, the role or the character wants to convey something through dialogues. If I don’t think that whatever is in my hand is doing justice to the character, I write a few additional dialogues. My aim is to make the scene and the film or a show better. But that is done only after consultation with the director. I do not throw my weight around with a frowned face. Also I give all the credit to the writers, never try to steal limelight from them. Film making is a team work and if I get to contribute additional little, I am more than happy.

In your real life, how much do you have faith in God?
I believe where science ends, spirituality begins. No one can deny both. There’s faith that everything will be fine. If you have faith, then you’re a God believer.

Do you think you are a very overpowering actor?
No, I am not at all an overpowering actor. I believe acting is a play when two wrestlers fight not to fail each other but to bring the scene on the top in order to deliver to the audience. For me acting is a play where there is no loss or win. Winning or losing happens in lawsuit but not in acting. I pay attention that the scene is portrayed in the best manner. The end product should be good because you are also part of it.

You have done theatre, films, OTT and now advertisements too. What’s your take on that?
I am overwhelmed with the love audience is bestowing on me. I feel that it’s kind of a loan and wonder how am I going to repay it. I am a down to earth person, a common man. But the viewers have made me feel special. I’ll always try to entertain my audience and through advertisements if I educate a few people on social causes, then my doing it is fruitful.

Do you feel sex education should be made compulsory in schools?
In my opinion yes, to add in the curriculum it requires education experts’ advice. It will not happen with just my acceptance. OMG 2 does not entirely talk on sex education. It’s a story where, at the end, leaves an open message. The script of OMG2 has changed my attitude towards life.

Does your daughter take interest in your work?
This year she is in the 11th Grade in IB Board. She’s living in a boarding school now, after her 10th it was her wish. In IB finals in Hindi subject students got a question on me. They wrote my interview and made 4-5 subjective and objective questions. The question was like ‘Read the interview of this actor and answer’. I didn’t know as I was shooting for Atal until a friend of mine from Dubai messaged me and sent me a print as her daughter answered this question. My daughter’s seniors answered and came and told her ‘Aashi, aaj tere Dad ka sawal aaya tha.’

You are portraying our former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on screen. What do you have to say?
I feel that I am lucky to have been chosen to play such an iconic personality in ‘Main Atal Hoon’. It’s Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s biopic. Atal Bihari Vajpayee is everybody’s favourite politician, the opposition parties’ too. To portray a public figure becomes challenging because people know that person and his life. I want to capture the spirit of him as well as nuances of his personality. Frankly I do not want to mimic him but instead I want to understand his thoughts and his core persona and play the character accordingly. It’s directed by three times National Award winner Ravi Jadhav which makes my job a bit easier.

Your forthcoming projects?
Apart from Main Atal Hoon, there’s Stree 2 and web series Mirzapur 3 and Criminal Justice 4.