‘I wish everyone would read more Hindi literature’
Many feel that in this modern age, English authors have multiplied and grown, but Hindi literature and its importance in the mainstream has fallen drastically. However, Pankaj Tripathi, an avid reader, apparently seeks help from Hindi literature to prepare for his various roles. The actor, who won a Special Mention at the 65th National Film Awards for his performance in Newton (2017), is also a huge promoter of Hindi Literature.
Pankaj began his education in literature by acting in street plays in his hometown of Gopalganj in Bihar. The actor’s favourite writers include Phanish war Nath ‘Renu’, Nagarjun and Uday Prakash, and he makes sure to buy books by Hindi authors in every city he shoots in.
Pankaj has been vocal in the past about urging people to read literature in different languages, and he is still trying to drive readership. He says, “I wish everyone would read more Hindi and regional books. We don’t read it as much as English, because sadly, the publicity and interest surrounding it is low. When you read such books, you’ll start learning about the landscape of your country, because Hindi has its own way of defining and describing things. When I was younger, my friends suggested the works of Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh, Sri Lal Shukla and Suryakant Tripathi ‘Nirala’ — all diverse writers whose styles ranged from poetry to prose. Their books helped me develop my satirical and humourous side. Hindi books and regional language books help you connect with a place, a time and an era. We need to cherish that.”