April 30, 2018
National Award-winning actor Pankaj Tripathi, whose
performances in film after film have drawn critical acclaim, says his big dream
is to live in the lap of nature -- in a farmhouse where he can indulge in
organic farming.
Born to a farmer's family and brought up in Bihar,
Pankaj told IANS in an interview: "I am really thankful for whatever I have got
in the last five years. It is great, really. But I want to see myself somewhere
else."
"I want to build my farmhouse where I will do organic farming, I
want to pet some animals, and some beautiful flowers should be there in the
garden. I want to live close to nature, along with my family."
The
National School of Drama alumnus, who has delivered laudable performances in
films like "Gangs of Wasseypur", "Fukrey", "Gurgaon" and "Newton", said his
career as an actor never took precedence over his family.
"Acting was
never my first priority. This is not life... this is a part of life. That does
not mean I will leave acting. It is just that I want to come, do the performance
that I love and go back to nature," Pankaj said.
The actor travelled to
various countries with "Newton", which has won him a Special Mention at the 65th
National Film Awards. He said the audience outside India is very interested in
stories that reflect the country's society and culture.
"It could be
anything -- our political culture, society, tribes... I think that is why they
found the story of 'Newton' interesting. ‘Newton' is everything in one. I think
those audiences know how to appreciate a good performance."
The political
black comedy, directed by Amit V. Masurkar, is about a rookie clerk on election
duty in a conflict-ridden jungle of Chhattisgarh. Pankaj plays a role supporting
to the lead character essayed by Rajkummar Rao.
Pankaj said the
international audience became curious about the Naxal movement, tribal community
and villages after watching the movie, which was screened at film festivals in
Berlin and Hong Kong, among others.
"I think one of the main difference
is that our audience wants to watch a film that is fast with action, drama...
There, at least people who came for our screening, knew how to appreciate
insightful narratives," he said.
However, he is hopeful that the scene is
changing.
"That is why films like 'Masaan', 'Nil Battey Sannata',
'Newton', 'Gurgaon' and our upcoming 'Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain' are made. We are
growing slowly as an audience, and are surely getting mature to watch new
content."
In "Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain", Pankaj will be seen in his first
romantic role. He says it's close to his own personality.
"This is the
first time that I am part of one of such a love story which is very sweet and
real. I am playing my own personality. You will get to see the real me in the
character I have played.
"I am playing a small part with merely three
scenes in the film, but that plot leaves a mark in the main narrative. That is
the beauty of my role in the film," he said.
The film, releasing on May
18, features a cast including Sanjay Mishra, Ekavali Khanna, Anshuman Jha and
Brijendra Kala, in a story set in rustic Varanasi.