‘I find the term characteractor outdated’
Pankaj Tripathi’s popularity is on the rise especially with his noteworthy roles in films including Gurgaon (2017) and Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017). He also won a Special Mention at the National Film Awards for Newton (2017). The actor says he has been the busiest with multiple projects lately. “I’ve received about 30 scripts in the last few months. It is not possible to do those many films. Sometimes it’s upsetting to say no to some film-makers. I am trying to work as much as I can,” he says.
This year also marks his Tamil debut with the Rajinikanthstarrer Kaala. The director Pa Ranjith saw his previous performances in the Gangs Of Wasseypur series and Nil Batte Sannata (2015), and was impressed with his versatility. That’s when his team reached out to him for a role in Kaala. “Even before the team could narrate the story to me, I agreed to be part of the project. That’s because I wanted to meet Rajini sir. I am enamoured by his real life persona. He is so humble a person. In fact, he would ask me if I was enjoying South Indian cuisine. He is so considerate,” he says. What does he feel about the changing status of characteractors in the industry? “I find the term character-actor outdated, because nowadays even the hero plays just a character. Also, the sensibilities of our audience s have changed. They are exposed to different kinds of cinema from across the world. You can’t cheat them. So the supporting cast becomes the strength of the story. The writers should be given credit for that. As for appearance during film promotions, we are told we are the surprise element in the film, so it is better if the audience sees us in the theatres directly. Our performances are spoken of two days after the film’s release. Our names are highlighted in the reviews by critics,” says Pankaj, adding, “We are getting that importance now, but in terms of remuneration and promotions there is still a bias. But yes, in my case remuneration has changed, but there’s scope for improvement. I am glad things have become better.”
The sensibilities of our audiences have changed. They are exposed to different kinds of cinema from across the world. You can’t cheat them. PANKAJ TRIPATHI, ACTOR