EVERYONE GETS TYPECAST, SAYS VINAY PATHAK

The actor adds that his comfort level lies in the “excitement and challenges” that his job brings

Vinay Pathak loves being unconventional and his work is testament to just that. The actor, who has been a part of theatre, cinema and television, is now exploring the web space. He says, “My preference is a good script, which is my first and the foremost requirement. My comfort lies in the excitement and challenges of my job. Be it on television, on stage or on the big screen I am comfortable whenever there is a wonderful working atmosphere. I like to tell stories of different kinds. Give me a story and I will try and experiment [with it].”

Pathak carved out his niche in comedy. From Bharat Bhushan in Bheja Fry (2007) and Ram in Mithya (2008) to the titular character in Gour Hari Dastaan (2015) – the actor has experimented with most shades of satire and comedy. The 51-year-old actor, who is known for his comic roles says, adds that he never feared being stereotyped. “Generally, the first impression is the last. After films like Bombay Boys (1998) and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), I was continuously offered the ‘foreign-return’ cousin roles, but I consciously said no. I also started exploring television, which was a good medium [at the time]. Typecasting happens everywhere and with everyone, including people like Amitabh Bachchan and Robert De Niro,” he says.

The actor will soon be seen in an upcoming web series which is directed by Neeraj Pandey. Pathak shares that it is an exciting time to be in the industry. “I think it’s a great opportunity but I feel we still have boundaries to push. In my opinion, web shows have opened a new avenue, which is challenging the visionaries. The audience’s preference is changing, and it’s getting difficult to understand the pattern. The digital world excites me. I have always believed in bringing innovation to my work, and throughout my career, I have tried to tell unique stories,” he signs off.

The first impression is the last... Typecasting happens everywhere and with everyone, including people like Amitabh Bachchan and Robert De Niro. VINAY PATHAK, ACTOR