Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 28, 2020)

Pankaj Tripathi has a number of projects lined up in 2020 including Shakeela, Kaagaz, Anurag Basu’s Ludo, Mumbai Saga, Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai and Mimi. Moroever, he will also reprise his role of Kaleen bhaiyya in the second season of the hit web show, Mirzapur, while also featuring in a film starring Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth. And believe it or not, he didn’t know who the actor was when he signed the film.

Talking about it, he says, “The experience of working on the film was wonderful. I have to say Hollywood films are well-prepared, especially in the pre-production stage. This was my first Hollywood project. But, I didn’t know who Chris Hemsworth was when I signed the film. I was told about him before I met him. I don’t watch Hollywood films, so I had no clue.”

Pankaj doesn’t shy away from revealing that he had to Google Chris before meeting him. “People might not believe me but I have seen only a couple of Hollywood films. And, I admit, it is not a good habit. I am an actor and I should watch performances of actors from around the world.”

He shares his reasoning for not watching too many movies, adding, “I believe that maybe, I am original and managed to stay this way because I am not influenced by the performances of other actors. I don’t want to be influenced or feel jealous if I see a good performance (laughs). Moreover, I find it difficult to sit and watch a film for three hours. I would rather read a book or listen to some music. I don’t even watch my own films. I am ashamed to say that I haven’t even seen Mirzapur yet. I just don’t have the time.”