Summary
Highlights
Introduction and Initial Awkwardness00:00:00
Samdish introduces actor Pankaj Tripathi, highlighting the unique audience setting. Pankaj expresses his slight unease speaking in front of an audience, noting his limited experience with live crowds and his appreciation for the audience's diverse backgrounds.
A Cricket Fan and Birthday Confessions00:02:53
Pankaj Tripathi, a big cricket fan, shares his admiration for the film '83, having watched it multiple times. He then reveals a humorous story about his two birth dates—one officially recorded on Teacher's Day (September 5th) due to his brother's oversight during school admission, and his actual birthday (September 28th). He playfully denounces social media birthday wishes.
Delhi Memories and Sensory Acting00:07:18
Pankaj discusses his time living in Geeta Colony, Jamana Paar (East Delhi). He vividly recalls the sounds and smells from his neighborhood, including a sitar player and a laughter club, emphasizing the importance of senses in an actor's craft.
Early Exposure to Art and 'Launda Naach'00:10:40
Pankaj shares his early exposure to performing arts, particularly 'Launda Naach' and amateur plays in his village. He recounts humorous incidents from these plays, such as actors forgetting lines and directors prompting from behind curtains, and even playing a female role himself.
Discovering Theatre in Patna00:14:39
His interest in theatre deepened after watching plays in Patna, especially one that moved him to tears. He highlights how he didn't have access to cinema during his formative years, fostering his love for live performances.
The SP Rumor and Shifting Interests00:16:16
Pankaj recounts a funny rumor from his youth in Patna about an SP who would cut off bicycle handles and long hair. This incident, along with his growing appreciation for stories and poems, led him away from aspiring to be a 'hero' and towards other forms of art.
Commercial vs. Artistry and NSD Experience00:17:37
Pankaj discusses his pragmatic view on commercial art, believing an artist should earn well from their craft. He expresses no complaints about NSD (National School of Drama) focusing purely on theatre but regrets not studying harder during his time there, emphasizing the value of its resources.
Learning the Basics of Art in Patna00:20:20
He explains how he gained a foundational understanding of art in Patna by attending various events, including a Bismillah Khan performance, despite feeling out of place initially. His curiosity led him to seek knowledge from teachers about classical music and art history.
UPSC Aspirations and Acting Performances00:23:25
Pankaj reveals a brief thought of attempting UPSC but deterred by his friends' struggles. He then discusses his film roles, praising 'Nil Battey Sannata' and sharing an anecdote about an impromptu acting moment during its filming. He also touches upon his minimalistic approach to certain characters, like in 'Gurgaon'.
Authenticity and Avoiding Uncomfortable Social Situations00:27:39
Pankaj reflects on the importance of authenticity and his discomfort in situations where people are overly polite or 'fake' for those in higher positions, leading him to avoid film parties and social gatherings.
Self-Reflection and the Nature of Acting00:31:37
He discusses the perception of his image as an honest man and how only he truly knows his own hypocrisies. He humorously states that he gets out of character after receiving his final paycheck, highlighting the practical aspects of acting and the often disproportionate praise for simple insights.
Personal Experiences and Life Lessons00:35:02
Pankaj shares an anecdote about a fellow actor not recognizing a Banyan tree, emphasizing how his rural upbringing gives him a different perspective on seemingly simple things. He also briefly mentions his past habits of drinking and smoking, now abstained.
Thoughts on Mortality and Family00:37:23
He admits to not dwelling on the thought of death, finding it anxiety-inducing, and expresses deep love for his family. He also mentions his selective consumption of YouTube content, focusing on health and political interviews.
Audience Question: Theatre Accessibility and Work-Life Balance00:38:53
An audience member asks about the inaccessibility of theatre. Pankaj explains that theatre isn't commercialized like other mediums, requiring active effort to seek out. He also addresses the dilemma of balancing commercial and art cinema, stating he now only chooses projects he genuinely enjoys.
Favorite Performance and '83' Experience00:41:00
When asked about his best performance, Pankaj jokingly compares it to a baker's favorite sweet. He cites 'Newton' as a personal favorite due to its National Award. He shares his positive experience working on '83, particularly the challenge of perfecting the Hyderabadi accent for his role as Mann Singh.
Closing Remarks and Gratitude00:43:48
Pankaj expresses his anxiety about being late and his appreciation for the audience's presence. He encourages viewers to subscribe to 'Unfiltered By Samdish' and reflects on the meaningful conversation he had.