Pankaj Tripathi: A lot that we are unaware of

Admitting that he learnt of the pressing issue of man-animal conflict only during his association with Sherdil, Pankaj on creating a balanced film

Pankaj Tripathi has advocated for many causes that plague small town individuals and those belonging to rural villages. However, even the actor admits that it is only during his association with a particular film that he is made aware of issues that need to be addressed.

Srijit Mukherji’s Sherdil sheds light on an uncomfortable event that transpired at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve. In a bid to claim compensation from the administration, villagers would leave the elderly in their family for tigers to prey on. The crimes only came to light after multiple incidents made the forest authorities suspicious.

Srijit Mukherji

For Tripathi, working on this film was “an eye-opener”. “Only when you begin to research a project do you learn [certain things]. I met and interacted with the forest officers, and realised that there is so much that I am unaware of. We only see one side of the coin, but with research, we understand more perspectives, and [then decide] which perspective must become the narrative. This is a burning issue, and every aspect has been addressed.”

Given the critical nature of the subject, one would assume that there wouldn’t be room for humour. But Mukherji’s offering is a satire. “I don’t know if one must laugh or think about this. The fight between the man and the jungle is something that is affecting the entire world. We have Neeraj Kabi, and Sayami Gupta along with several debutants. My character is unpredictable, and I have an interesting look in the film. We will reveal it soon.” 

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