From His Favourite Food To His Most Challenging Scene In Kaagaz, Pankaj Tripathi Reveals It All In This Exclusive Conversation

Pankaj Tripathi, the people’s star, is going to appear in the lead role in the film Kaagaz, releasing on 7th January on ZEE5. We all already know what a genius actor he is, thanks to his insight into art and cinema. But, we also wanted to know some lesser-known things about him. Read on to know what he answered in this exclusive interview with us.

Watch the whole video here:

Are you a morning person or a night person?

Pankaj Tripathi said that he is a morning person.

Tea or Coffee?

To this, the Kaagaz actor said that he prefers homemade tea. He says that he loves a good adrak chai prepared at home.

What is your morning song?

Pankaj Tripathi had a very nice answer to this. He said that he prefers to hear the chirping of birds in the morning. He says that after hearing so many songs on the sets and shoots, he does not feel like hearing songs all day. And thus, he prefers living far from the city to hear the birds chirping in the morning.

What thing did you last buy under Rs 100?

Pankaj Tripathi answered that he last he bought vegetables, which were under Rs 100. He further specified that he bought peas, desi matar, from his village.

When was the last time you used public transport?

The actor said that he frequently uses public transport, but the last time he used it was just the previous week when he visited his village. “And of course flights, which was also very recent,” he said. He shared an interesting story about a time when he was on a bus. He said, “1-2 years ago I was on a bus in Patna, and no one recognized me there, but one man. He recognized and approached me. He asked me if I really was Pankaj Tripathi and I said that I am. The man did not believe it at first because I was on a bus but then we conversed for a significant part of the journey.”

What is the one thing you never leave home without?

To this, Pankaj Tripathi said that he never leaves his house without his wallet and his specs.

One thing that makes you angry?

He revealed that it is people’s hypocrisy that makes him angry.

One thing that makes you happy?

The Kaagaz actor said that one thing that always makes him happy is meeting a nature lover. He said that he likes it when he sees someone planting a tree without posting it on social media, just doing his work silently. Following this, he said that he too loves gardening and planting. He said that he plants things like fenugreek, coriander, and flowers at his home.

A habit that no one knows about?

Pankaj Tripathi answered that sometimes he doesn’t have a bath in winters. He shared that when he was in his village recently, he went three days without bathing.

Have you ever used your star status to get away?

Pankaj Tripathi, very honestly, said that he has never done that. He said that he would rather prefer waiting in queues than use his status to get away. He also shared that being honest in little things like these is what shows his simplicity on screen, in his roles and it maintains his authenticity.

What was the last lie you said?

The actor said that he does not lie. He said, “I have a problem with lies. But then my job is lying – I act and portray fictional characters, apart from Kaagaz, of course. Otherwise, I don’t like lying.”

Also Read: Kaagaz: Pankaj Tripathi Reveals He Was ‘Afraid’ To Work With Satish Kaushik, Here’s why!

What is your cheat meal?

To this too, he very honestly answered, that he never follows a diet and eats what he likes. He said that one of his bad habits could be overeating. “I like every cuisine. I am fascinated by food history so I love food from any part of the world. When I visit a country I prefer eating its native food,” Pankaj Tripathi said.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

Pankaj Tripathi gave a long list of his favourite places, like the Rann of Kutchh, Jaisalmer, North East, Himalayas, Kerala, Odisha, and Goa. He said, “Whole India, I think. Or maybe the whole world. I love travelling. Last I went to Goa and Rajasthan, before the lockdown.”

 

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If not an actor, what would you be?

Pankaj Tripathi said, “I’d be a chef or a guide. I used to be a chef. I’d like to be a farmer too, for our family’s farms.”

Who is your favourite superhero?

Pankaj Tripathi’s favourite heroes are the common men. He said that there are some writers, artists, and poets that he considers heroes.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

To this, the actor said: “How do I put 40 plus years of experience in 3 words? We’re all grey, we’re common men. And I? I’m a rural person who decided to be an actor and achieved it. Also, I like speaking a lot and I feel sometimes I become boring because of it.”

Love or money?

He said that he would prefer love but also would not neglect money. “Love fills the heart, money fills the stomach. But I can’t live love for money,” Pankaj Tripathi said

Which character do you like more, Lal Bihari or Principal Srivastav?

Pankaj Tripathi said that he preferred Lal Bihari because his character has a lot more conflict. 

How was the experience working with Satish Kaushik?

“It was brilliant. He is my senior from the drama school and also senior in the industry and he gave me a lot of freedom in the making of this film,” he said.

One memorable incident from the shoot of Kaagaz?

Remembering his shooting days of the film, he said, “There was a moment when for a scene, I suggested a correction to Satish sir and he very happily took the suggestion, accepting it was the right decision. So I like moments like that.”

What was your first reaction after listening to the script of Kaagaz?

Pankaj Tripathi revealed that he had loved the script from the first reading itself. He said that he knew of the incident since he is from the same area. And he accepted the role in the first sitting itself, as he was afraid that if Satishji would change his mind then he may miss the opportunity.

What is your favourite dialogue of your character from Kaagaz?

“Kuch logon ne galat kiya hai, aur unhe batana hai ki unhone galat kiya hai. Ab yeh ladaai maan, samman, aur pehchaan ki hai,” is the dialogue that likes the most.

What was the most challenging scene in Kaagaz?

Pankaj Tripathi said that the climax was the most challenging because it demanded some physical actions that could injure. Also, he said that what was the most challenging, was that they had to begin shooting at 5 am every morning.

Give 3 reasons for the people to watch Kaagaz.

Pankaj Tripathi went on to give more than 3 reasons, and said, “Watch it for an interesting story. Watch it for the man who fought for 17 years and his patience. Also, watch it because this is my first lead role. And watch it for Satish sir’s direction and because Salman Khan has produced it. I’m sure that this film won’t disappoint anyone.”

How was the experience working with Monal Gajjar?

“It was great,” he said, “She is a very versatile and talented actress.”

Best memory with her from the shoot of Kaagaz?

Pankaj Tripathi said that he likes talking and giving pravachans, so he used to talk a lot and Monal used to listen very patiently.

What role do you like a more on-screen, gangster or good guy?

Pankaj Tripathi said that he prefers playing the good guy. He said that the role of a gangster is fun but he connects more with the good guys.

Theatre or films?

Choosing the former, Pankaj Tripathi said, “Theater. Anytime.”

Watch him in Kaagaz on ZEE5, which premieres on 7th January.

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