Rinky Kumar (DNA; April 1, 2018)

Each time Pankaj Tripathi comes on screen, he seems to own it. Whether it was as Aatma Singh, a cynical Central Reserve Police Force officer in Newton, the intense and ambitious real estate tycoon Kehri Singh of Gurgaon or the quirky Narottam Mishra in Bareilly Ki Barfi, the versatile artiste lends his personal touch to each character.

The 42-year-old actor, who played diverse roles with aplomb in 2017, has an interesting slate of movies this year, too, such as Kaala, Super 30, Stree and Drive. While his first international project, Mango Dreams, is being screened on a digital platform, he will also be seen in a web series. It hasn’t been an easy journey for the National School of Drama alumnus, who struggled for 14 years, before finally basking in the glory. However, the performer, who hails from Gopalganj in Bihar, prefers to look at the brighter side of things. His only wish is to portray characters that are in sync with his real age. He jests, “I was 33 when I played the 42-year-old antagonist, Naved Ansari, in the TV series Powder (2010). I am 42 now, but was seen as a 52-year-old father in Bareilly Ki Barfi. I don’t know why I always get to essay characters that are 10-15 years older than my real age. Jab dekho, directors make me wear chaddar, shawl or loose cotton pants. When will I get a chance to dress according to my age?” In a tête-à-tête with After Hrs, he talks about his penchant for intense roles and why, surprisingly, acting is secondary for him. Excerpts...

Last year was exceptionally good for you. Do you feel that the audience finally recognised your talent?
Yes, definitely. I am happy as the films were not only successful but the characters also gave me an opportunity to showcase my acting prowess. People actually realised my potential and saw what I could do as an actor. I hope every year is as good for me as 2017 (smiles). This year, too, I’m on the lookout for such scripts but I still haven’t found anything as good as Newton or Gurgaon. Newton was particularly challenging as I had to emote, without doing or saying much. Also, I like to give grey shades to my characters. I don’t understand black or white characters.

Did you expect that it would be such an eventful 2017 for you when you signed the films?
No, I didn’t. However, when I was reading the scripts, I thought to myself — I don’t know how well the movies will fare commercially, but the roles are powerful. I knew they would help me get noticed. For instance, Gurgaon was critically acclaimed but it didn’t translate into footfalls in theatres. But, I know the day it is streamed on a digital platform, people will love it. It was a good film, which wasn’t distributed well.

What is your criteria while choosing a role?
I keep in mind two factors — who is making the film and with whom I will be working. I always like to be in the company of like-minded people who have a passion for cinema. At times, I might not know the producer or director, but if the script is good and I get a positive vibe from the makers, then I want to collaborate with them. Acting should be a fun-filled journey for me. If I don’t enjoy my work, then it’s tough to act. I want to ensure that I play interesting roles. Now, I’m in a position where I can choose the work that I want to do. Earlier, that wasn’t the case. When you get love and appreciation from viewers, your responsibility as an actor increases. 

Irrfan Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who started off in supporting roles, are now cast as protagonists. Even you had a pivotal part in Gurgaon. Is this happening because the audience’s tastes and filmmakers’ attitudes are changing?
Today, the audience, especially the youth, has access to world cinema. They can watch movies from any part of the globe. Now, they want to see sensible movies. Also, the attitude of filmmakers has changed. They approach actors like me to play strong supporting roles in big commercial films. So, these are good times for artistes. In the next two-four months, even I will do a film in which I will be seen in a lead role. Talks are on, so I can’t divulge more details.

You were first noticed on the big screen as a baddie in Gangs Of Wasseypur and now will be seen in a negative role in Mirzapur. So, is life coming full circle for you?
If I continue doing the same kind of roles, then even I will get bored. So, I need to experiment as an artiste. I like intense characters. I’m constantly on the lookout for such parts because it’s important for me to break the norm for myself. My main motive while working is that I should enjoy the process. Money can’t give you as much satisfaction as playing a character well on screen does.

Are you excited to venture into the digital space?
Yes, I am. Its biggest benefit is that you can watch it anytime, anywhere. It has an easy and wide reach, whereas, in the case of movies, you need to step out, head to a theatre and buy a ticket. If you don’t like a show online, you can switch channels or put off the television set. The audience can disconnect from the digital space as easily as they are hooked on to it. So, makers need to give strong content to viewers. Also here they have the freedom to tell the story the way they want to without the fear of censorship. It’s easy to reject the ideas on a digital platform, so directors have to exercise greater caution and discretion. The digital arena has a bright future and, I feel, the quality of its content will only improve.

How much inspiration do you derive from your personal experiences while portraying a character?
I use my life’s experiences as well as imagination. I have worked in theatre extensively. So, now, I’ve created my own process. When I go to a set, I go with an open mind. I don’t have fixed notions in my head. Each of my characters gives me guidelines and that’s how I proceed.

Having worked in theatre, TV, cinema and now the web, which has been the most demanding medium for you?
Theatre, of course. The risk factor is higher as there is no scope for retakes. You also get immense joy while performing in front of a live audience. Cinema has its own challenges as it’s a more technical medium. You get to know how well you have played a character six months after the movie releases, but it has its own charm.

You started off by doing small parts before finally making a mark for yourself. What kept you going during your struggling days?
My upbringing. I’m a farmer’s son. Till class 10, I have worked in fields. So, since childhood, the importance of patience has been inculcated in me. Once you sow the seeds, you wait for the crop to grow. You can only wait, take care and protect it. I’ve never achieved anything instantly in my life. I didn’t become a star overnight. I waited for 14 years for my moment of glory. I knew I was a seed that was hidden underground, not to die but to grow.

Is that why you believe in leading a simple life?
Most of the times, my motive of doing a film is that I can earn money, so that I can travel with my wife and daughter. For me, my primary concern is to give a good life to my family, acting is secondary for me. Sleep is very important for me, so I get troubled when I have to shoot round the clock (laughs).