Shawdesh Desk:
Eminent Indian actor Pankaj Tripathi has said acting serves a bigger purpose, that is, to make individuals better human beings by understanding diverse perspectives.
“When you put yourselves in someone’s shoes and understand their thoughts, their emotions, and their perspectives, you also become a better human,” said Tripathi during a masterclass session at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on Thursday.
Reflecting on the art of acting, 47-year-old Tripathi, who has earned critical acclaim for his roles in movies like “Gangs of Wasseypur,” “Newton,” and “Fukrey Returns,” said, “The world is a theatre and we play different roles in our lives. Acting is the recreation of real-life roles and emotions. One needs to be empathetic in becoming a proficient actor.”
“This happens when you analyse, observe and understand the good and bad of others’ lives and learn from them to make yourself better,” said the product of Delhi’s National School of Drama.
Tripathi, who shot to fame with his role in “Gangs of Wasseypur” (2012), highlighted the significance of aligning the body and mind for natural acting. “Flexibility and openness of mind and body are crucial to molding oneself according to the character.”
He added, “The re-creation of emotions on the screen can happen only when you force a hypothetical situation of the character in the brain and train yourself to do so.”
Dwelling on the difference between a star and an actor, Tripathi said, “An actor can always take the opportunity for experimentation with their role.”
He also took the opportunity to distinguish between an actor’s freedom to explore roles and the constraints of stardom which create an expectation and a larger-than-life image in the minds of the audience. “Experimentation keeps acting alive.”
Talking about his initial years as an actor, Tripathi acknowledged the struggles he had to overcome. “When it was all about survival, acting became secondary.”
He stressed the importance of hope in moving forward with one’s passion. “But just hope is not sufficient, self-assessment is also necessary. Ask yourself why you want to do this.”
He also urged the aspiring actors and filmmakers in the audience to do research, observe, and explore their surroundings along with themselves.
During the discussion, when the moderator commended Tripathi’s humility despite his fame, the actor, in response, said arrogance comes with fame only when one forgets their roots.
“Fifteen years ago nobody knew me and 15 years later nobody may remember me either,” he said. “Life becomes meaningful only when fame and money is utilised fruitfully and for a good purpose.”
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