As the distinction between North and South Indian cinema diminishes and Bollywood continues to integrate with other regional film industries, many actors are now venturing into diverse linguistic landscapes. However, despite his nationwide fanbase and impressive filmography, acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi has explained his decision to refrain from working in languages other than Hindi. Speaking at a masterclass during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Tripathi attributed this choice to the language barrier.
“I receive numerous offers from the Telugu film industry, including for major films. However, I am preoccupied with my commitments to Hindi cinema. Moreover, I find myself unable to speak the language. I did work on a film in the South with the brilliant writer-director Veeru Potla (‘Doosukeltha’), but during the process, I realised that I was struggling with the language. I could not merely recite words without comprehension and still act convincingly in front of the camera. It is purely due to the language barrier; otherwise, I would love to explore opportunities in South Indian cinema,” he stated. Tripathi was present at IFFI to introduce his latest film, Kadak Singh, directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, best known for Pink.
The film, which features Jaya Ahsan, Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Sanjana Sanghi, was showcased at IFFI as part of the World Gala Premiere section.
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The Fine Line Between Stars and Actors
Tripathi also spoke about the evolving perception of actors and stars, noting that the distinction between the two has provided performers like him with greater opportunities to experiment. “The era when actors were recognised for certain mannerisms or styles is fading. Even stars now wish to be referred to as actors. Once someone attains stardom, they risk becoming confined within their own cultivated persona, making experimentation difficult,” he remarked.
During the discussion, moderator Mayank Shekhar pointed out that Tripathi did not receive due credit for his role in the film Run. The actor responded with humility, saying, “That is how life works. Sometimes you receive credit, at other times you do not. The key is to continue working with sincerity.”
Tripathi has always remained steadfast in his commitment to acting, regardless of the significance of his role in a project. His dedication was acknowledged by veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who praised his performance in the 2017 satirical drama Newton. “Mahesh Bhatt once called me and said, ‘Pankaj, I wanted to tell you that you were brilliant in the film. Even in scenes where you were positioned far in the background, out of focus, your commitment to the craft was evident. Maintain that sincerity in your work,'” Tripathi recalled.
From Struggles to Success
Tripathi’s journey to success was anything but easy. He reminisced about carrying a police inspector’s uniform to auditions in the hope of securing minor roles. However, he never allowed frustration to overpower him. “I am a content person. I used to be thrilled even when portraying a police officer in a television serial for a week. I never questioned my journey or felt disheartened. For me, survival comes first; art follows,” he said.
When asked about how he copes with fame, admiration, and public recognition, the actor responded with characteristic humility. “Fifteen years ago, no one in Goa knew who I was, and there is a possibility that fifteen years from now, I will be forgotten. This realisation keeps me grounded, reminding me that fame is fleeting.”
A Broader Perspective on Indian Cinema
Tripathi’s insights reflect the ongoing transformation within Indian cinema, where regional industries are gaining global recognition and actors are crossing linguistic and cultural boundaries. His views on the actor-star distinction further highlight a shift towards performance-oriented roles rather than image-driven personas.
In an era where South Indian cinema has gained widespread appeal, particularly with pan-India successes like Baahubali, Pushpa, and RRR, actors increasingly find themselves drawn to multilingual projects. However, as Tripathi’s experience illustrates, linguistic fluency remains a key consideration in delivering authentic performances.
With his unwavering commitment to his craft, Pankaj Tripathi continues to inspire aspiring actors, proving that perseverance, humility, and sincerity ultimately pave the way to lasting success.