Actor Pankaj Tripathi who hails from Gopalganj, Bihar, has always taken a keen interest in the affairs of his home state. And with voting for the state assembly elections underway, Tripathi is keenly watching the contest, hoping it will result in improving things in the state. In fact, Tripathi has always preferred to be part of stories that trigger social change. And one of his acclaimed roles was that of Aatma Singh in the National Award-winning film Newton (2017) which explored the facets of elections in the northern state.

So, amidst the election fervour when Tripathi heard several officials on election duty in Chhapra and some polling agents found inspiration in Newton, it warmed the 44-year-old’s heart.

Pleased that the film was screened for polling officers in Bihar ahead of election duty, he says, “You never find out about your own reach unless you hear such stories. This official was training 2,500 people for the elections and he made them watch Newton. The film had a great impact because there are many people who try to escape doing election duty. They feel pressured. The field officers kept a special screening for polling officers. Once the film was over, everyone was ready to go on duty.”

Tripathi had even won a special mention at the 65th National Film Awards for his performance in the black comedy, directed by Amit V Masurkar. “I had no idea that a film we made three years ago continues to have such a positive, far-reaching impact. It is a matter of honour and privilege that I am associated with work which inspires people to contribute to the betterment of society,” he adds.