10 August,2023 11:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Shachi Chaturvedi
In Pic: Pankaj Tripathi
Pankaj Tripathi is one of the most versatile actors in the film industry. The 'Mirzapur' actor is all set to play a pivotal role in the much-anticipated film, 'OMG 2'. During one of the interactions with the media, Pankaj opened up about his thoughts on boycott culture, woke times, OMG 2 getting an 'A' certificate, and much more.
While talking about how he felt when he got a chance to star in a film like 'OMG 2', Pankaj shared, "I never thought that I would get a chance to work on a film like OMG 2. Paresh Sir is an amazing actor. He is the chairman of the acting school I graduated from. I never thought of this. I just worked hard throughout my career."
Further, when asked if the actor fears the boycott trend or if he cares about social media while playing such parts, he said, "I play the character of Pankaj Tripathi in real life. In reel life, it is not me; it is a written character that I am playing. I focus on my behaviour in my personal life. I do not fear the boycott trend, and I don't even see a reason to fear it. My work has never been boycotted."
He continued and also talked about faith. "Faith is something that gives us hope. We live in the hope that tomorrow will be better. We believe that even if the world doesn't know us, at least God knows what we are doing. That is also the reason why I don't fear boycotts because I know I am doing right, and God knows it," he added.
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Later, while discussing the demand that CBFC had put in, the 'Criminal Justice' actor said, "I wasn't anxious when the CBFC asked us for cuts, but I was surprised to know that we had gotten an 'A' certificate. The thought also didn't cross our minds; for example, when we made Wasseypur, we knew it would be an A-certified film. This one was a surprise. I felt bad that kids aged 12-18, for whom this film could have been very educational, would not be able to watch it. But now there is no point in discussing it, we all should move on."
He further pointed out the problems in the certification system and said, "I think there needs to be something between a U/A and an A certificate, but it is all for officials to decide. However, we have no hard feelings. My only regret is that children between 12 and 18 will not be able to watch this film."
When asked if this concept of the audiences becoming woke has somehow restricted cinematic creativity, Pankaj shared, "You can also define woke time as 'Internet sasta aur khali time'. Social media has given people the right to express themselves. Hence, people should think before they share their thoughts on anything. Is there anyone who has watched the film? No. So first, watch the film before giving your point of view. See, we are living in an era where the media also wants controversy to get a headline. I have observed that 'Hum kehte hai Aam or chapta hai imli'."