Pankaj Tripathi

I had done plays, and Hindi theatre pays peanuts.

The connect that I have with the audience comes from my hard work and sincerity towards my craft and also because of the opportunities that I have had. I have been able to engage with my audiences. They observe my performances minutely. They think I will do some magic on screen. They like me because I don't do over-the-top acting.

I try to pick the best from what is offered to me, and then with roles, also, I try to add something new. There is a constant conflict to not become repetitive.

I admire many actors, including Amitabh Bacchhan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Irfan Khan, and many more.

I've never had any difficulty sharing the screen with any actor. For me, roles are challenging, not co-stars.

I didn't have any high aspirations. I just went to Mumbai to get a job after I married Mridula. I thought if I didn't earn, my wife will criticise me.

Acting happened to me by chance. Even I'm surprised how a man from a small village, Belsand, in Gopalganj district has reached Bollywood.

It feels amazing to know that the whole country thought my role in 'Newton' was one of my best, and to win the Special Mention Award at the highest film award in India is just exhilarating.

A good content always allows me to reach the depth of the characters, and thus, the performance looks more relatable and truthful.

I have fun doing lighter roles, as I don't have to do anything against my emotions.

We have freedom to experiment as an artiste - unlike lead heroes.

I was offered 10 Sultan Qureshi-type roles after 'Gangs of Wasseypur.' But I did not want to repeat that, as I have little fear of being rejected by the people.

Big films help your reach a wider audience, and doing independent films keeps your artistic side happy.

Across the world, wherever good art has been created, that society has been in crisis.

Right after watching 'Kabul Express,' I wanted to work with Kabir sir. Moreover, earlier he was a documentary maker, and the respective genre has always fascinated me, and I still desire to work in one.

I used to do comedy during my theatre days, and I was good at that.

Our Bollywood industry works in such a way that when an actor is seen in a gangster's role, he is offered similar roles.

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.

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.

Whatever changes a common man wants to bring in the country, he can bring it through the process of voting.

In a democracy, voting is a huge and most important right of a common man.

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 just need good scripts, good films, and I am glad I am doing them.

I am a Sufi guy, so fame is maya for me, a worldly illusion.

I won't lose my mind now that I have fame, nor will I lose myself once it goes away.

I don't want to be in a situation again where I am sitting on a set, wondering why I am there and why I am doing the film.

Cinema is not just a medium of entertainment. Yes, it should entertain, but cinema is made to convey a message, to say something.

The best phase for an actor is when he or she gets to choose what they want to play. Sometimes you do a film because the unit is good, the company is fantastic, and the intention is well placed.

The more the audience and the society trusts an actor, the more the responsibility increases for the actor.

Failures don't bother me much, nor do I let success go to my head.

I enjoy acting and just love to do my roles - big or small.

I never thought that a time would come that someone will write a story keeping me in mind, or a producer will invest crores of rupees on a film that I will carry on my shoulders.

I find it very funny as well as touching that people associate me with these characters I play and form a connect with them.

Critics matter to me a lot.

If something sounds good, and I get a good feeling about it, I'll take it, irrespective of the fee being offered to me.

I choose films based on scripts.

The place where I hail from - a village in Gopalganj in North Bihar - people only know two professions: an engineer or a doctor.

When you don't feel good about a film after taking it up, spending 10-15 days on the shoot sets becomes difficult.

I had never imagined that after coming to Mumbai that, as an actor, my dates would be booked in six-eight months in advance.

It has happened many a times where I have taken a project and wasn't happy about it.

Anurag Kashyap is someone whose projects I can take without even hearing the story.

I want to stay rooted forever.

I have nothing against smaller roles; they made me what I am today. But, progression is the way of life.

After passing out of the National School of Drama, I spent many years doing small-time roles in Bollywood.

For any creative person, along with learning, unlearning is also important.

I am in awe of Rajinikanth. He is a great star, yet so easy-going and grounded.

Not everyone can handle success, but look at Rajinikanth. His films release all over India, his fans worship him and what not. But when I first met him, I felt like he is one of us.

People can forget your name, but if you excel at what you do, at least someone will remember you.

I make sure I say something important without being preachy through all my performances.

'Stree' is an entertaining film, but it has strong commentary about women.