Quotes from Pankaj Tripathi

I tend to read a lot of books and believe in a certain ideology.

I never imagined I would be in colourful costumes and dance!

The National Award is a matter of pride for me, and it has also increased my responsibilities towards the country.

I didn't get much time in between wrapping up 'Shakeela' and commence the shoot for 'Kaagaz.' With whatever time I had on my hands, I did my best to look the part. Instead of hitting the gym, I took up an organic approach to lose weight. I also cut down on oily and junk food and had small meals in between shoots.

I find it very funny as well as touching that people associate me with these characters I play and form a connect with them.

The connect that I have with the audience comes from my hard work and sincerity towards my craft and also because of the opportunities that I have had. I have been able to engage with my audiences. They observe my performances minutely. They think I will do some magic on screen. They like me because I don't do over-the-top acting.

In life, we have two segments: arts and science. We need science to make our lives easier. But what do we live for? We enjoy life through arts. So it's an artistes duty to question the wrongs happening in the society.

Right after watching 'Kabul Express,' I wanted to work with Kabir sir. Moreover, earlier he was a documentary maker, and the respective genre has always fascinated me, and I still desire to work in one.

Cinema is not just a medium of entertainment. Yes, it should entertain, but cinema is made to convey a message, to say something.

I think reading and travelling not only make us good artistes but also broaden our horizons and open our mind. It really helps us to become a good human being.

I have nothing against smaller roles; they made me what I am today. But, progression is the way of life.

I had never thought that so many people would know me, will talk about me, and most of all, I will be given a National Award.

I am an aware citizen, so I want my characters to be aware, too. They should be aware of what's happening in the society and make a commentary. They're not in a la la land.

The more the audience and the society trusts an actor, the more the responsibility increases for the actor.

A good content always allows me to reach the depth of the characters, and thus, the performance looks more relatable and truthful.

I try to pick the best from what is offered to me, and then with roles, also, I try to add something new. There is a constant conflict to not become repetitive.

I am all about learning something new and improving my work.

I come from the family of farmers. I am a son of a farmer.

We used to live in a rented house in Mumbai, and now we live in our own house. That, for me, is success.

I didn't have any high aspirations. I just went to Mumbai to get a job after I married Mridula. I thought if I didn't earn, my wife will criticise me.

I had never imagined that after coming to Mumbai that, as an actor, my dates would be booked in six-eight months in advance.

People can forget your name, but if you excel at what you do, at least someone will remember you.

Though I have been acclaimed for 'Newton,' but my personally favourite is 'Gurgaon.'

It feels amazing to know that the whole country thought my role in 'Newton' was one of my best, and to win the Special Mention Award at the highest film award in India is just exhilarating.