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Actor Pankaj Tripathi graced the fifth edition of Indian Express’ series Expresso held in Mumbai. The rather extensive conversation, which tapped into the raconteur abilities of Pankaj, saw the actor touch upon topics such as the transition of the small town guy into the Mumbai-based actor of today, the importance of keeping oneself grounded, and understanding what success means to different people. With Pankaj at the other end of the conversation, one can rest assured that the conversation was peppered with anecdotes that not only put a smile on everyone’s faces, but left them with the space for introspection, and understanding of how art is personal, and yet connects with everyone who surrender to it.
Starting off by narrating the vagaries of his childhood, Pankaj gradually transitioned to his take on what ails Bollywood, especially with the audience training their focus on South cinema. “Why will the people connect with our films if we are not giving rooted stories?” asked Pankaj, who went on to talk about the lack of magic in today’s Hindi cinema. “If Hindi cinema cuts off from its roots, then it is always going to be a problem.” The actor also discussed how the lack of experimentation will push people to get bored and look for alternate sources of magic. “It is like makers want to milk a cow till it doesn’t turn back and kick them away.”
ALSO READ: Pankaj Tripathi on Ranveer Allahbadia controversy: ‘There should be no pride in uttering nonsense…’
Pankaj Tripathi also regaled the audience with a wonderful anecdote about how he had a random uncredited appearance on a ‘Wanted’ board in a crime series. “There was no social media and hardly any casting agencies. We used to knock doors of film offices, and ask for an acting opportunity. They used to keep a cardboard carton in which everyone can come and put their photos. I have put my pictures in so many such cartons. So, I think one of those photos reached the sets of that show,” said Pankaj to a crowd in raptures. He also recalled how spirituality helped him during the days of struggle. “Till date, I don’t believe that things have changed so much. I never thought this would happen, sometimes I feel that I am dreaming.”
The actor also spoke about how success is measured differently in today’s digital age. He also discussed the burning issue of Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina’s statements from the latter’s show, India’s Got Latent. Talking about how many of today’s social media celebrities need to have a sense of understanding of India’s cultural ethos too, Pankaj said, “Society is a lot of things, and one needs to know the cultural value of the society we are living in. Just because there is no clear censorship, it doesn’t mean you can say anything in the name of entertainment. See, it is okay to have fun saying nonsense, but it is not okay to have pride in uttering nonsense.”
The Expresso session will be available for viewing on the YouTube channel of The Indian Express and SCREEN. The event was presented by HSBC, in association with The Taj Mahal Palace as the venue partner, Dabur Honey as the experience partner, Mirraw as the fashion partner, Kashmir Loom as the gifting partner, Coca Cola India as the beverage partner, Growfitter as the fitness partner, Longitude 77 as the luxury partner, and ixigo as the travel partner.
While the National Award winner has been working in the industry since 2003, his first credited role was in 2005 in the Prakash Jha film Apaharan. Stepping into his 20th year in Indian cinema, Pankaj has essayed a variety of roles, and starred in films directed by important Indian filmmakers like Vishal Bhardwaj, Mani Ratnam, Anurag Kashyap, Rohit Shetty, Farah Khan, Amit Masurkar, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Pa Ranjith, Laxman Utekar, Anurag Basu, Kabir Khan, Amar Kaushik, and Homi Adajania.
The actor had an interesting 2024 with films like Main Atal Hoon, Murder Mubarak, and Stree 2. The Amar Kaushik film, also starring Shraddha Kapoor, and Rajkummar Rao became a runaway hit becoming an industry blockbuster.
The Indian Express series Expresso started in April with Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi followed by the second edition in July with actor Taapsee Pannu and filmmaker Imtiaz Ali. The third edition featured father and daughter – veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar and director Zoya Akhtar. And, the fourth edition was headlined by Kajol and Kriti Sanon.
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