I did not become an actor to earn money - that I could have done it in my village by becoming a farmer. I wanted to show my craft, which I am so passionate about.
Pankaj Tripathi
Anurag Kashyap is someone whose projects I can take without even hearing the story.
One mistake and all this attention may just disappear one fine day. So I prefer to remain grounded.
In life, we have two segments: arts and science. We need science to make our lives easier. But what do we live for? We enjoy life through arts. So it's an artistes duty to question the wrongs happening in the society.
I think reading and travelling not only make us good artistes but also broaden our horizons and open our mind. It really helps us to become a good human being.
An actor must read a lot. Books not only make one a good actor but also a better human being.
People can forget your name, but if you excel at what you do, at least someone will remember you.
I admire many actors, including Amitabh Bacchhan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Irfan Khan, and many more.
Not everyone can handle success, but look at Rajinikanth. His films release all over India, his fans worship him and what not. But when I first met him, I felt like he is one of us.
Survival is important, art is secondary. If you aren't alive, how can you create art?
Sharan is a very talented director, well versed with his craft.
My father wanted me to become a doctor.
I am still a villager who fell in love with acting.
Commercial films give you a wide exposure. For 'Dilwale,' I got calls from countries like Oman. Its reach is huge. Similarly, doing independent projects satisfy the actor in you.
I come from the family of farmers. I am a son of a farmer.
Cinema is not just a medium of entertainment. Yes, it should entertain, but cinema is made to convey a message, to say something.
I had never imagined that after coming to Mumbai that, as an actor, my dates would be booked in six-eight months in advance.
When a man is extremely lonely, he starts discovering himself.
We used to live in a rented house in Mumbai, and now we live in our own house. That, for me, is success.
I have nothing against smaller roles; they made me what I am today. But, progression is the way of life.
In 'Stree,' I play a character who believes that he knows everything. And I play a cop in 'Drive.' It is a different kind of a role. It is not a uniform-wearing character. The film is interesting, since it is a thriller.
It was Sultan Qureshi, the character of 'Gangs of Wasseypur,' which brought success as a baddie, but it were the TC and teacher's roles in 'Masaan' and 'Nil Battey Sannata' that broke the villain's mould and helped me successfully explore the other shades - be it comedy, intense, or serious - surprising the audience all the time.
I didn't get much time in between wrapping up 'Shakeela' and commence the shoot for 'Kaagaz.' With whatever time I had on my hands, I did my best to look the part. Instead of hitting the gym, I took up an organic approach to lose weight. I also cut down on oily and junk food and had small meals in between shoots.
In a democracy, voting is a huge and most important right of a common man.
Whatever changes a common man wants to bring in the country, he can bring it through the process of voting.
My wife used to work as a teacher and support me, and now I can do something for her, which is very satisfying for me.
I don't want to be in a situation again where I am sitting on a set, wondering why I am there and why I am doing the film.
Our Bollywood industry works in such a way that when an actor is seen in a gangster's role, he is offered similar roles.
I used to work in a hotel kitchen at night and do theatre in the morning. After finishing my night shift - I did it for two years - I used to come back and sleep for five hours and then do theatre from 2-7 P.M. and then again hotel work from 11-7 in the morning.
I want to do different roles.
Before trying my hand at acting, I use to cultivate my own land with my father.
Failures don't bother me much, nor do I let success go to my head.
For any creative person, along with learning, unlearning is also important.
Critics matter to me a lot.
I have been in the industry for many years now, but people still come up to me and say, 'Sir, you're such a good actor. We loved watching you in that movie. What's your name?' While any other actor might get offended, I don't mind this at all.
I was offered 10 Sultan Qureshi-type roles after 'Gangs of Wasseypur.' But I did not want to repeat that, as I have little fear of being rejected by the people.
I had never thought that so many people would know me, will talk about me, and most of all, I will be given a National Award.
'Newton' is a black comedy, a social satire. Amit Masurkar is directing the movie, and Drishyam films is producing. Rajkummar Rao is in the movie. I am playing a very important character. It is a very interesting project.
'Masaan' was a small role, but people connected with it. I loved playing a man who does not have many complexities in life. I was inspired by my father for this role. You find such characters in novel or in stories. You don't find such parts in movies where characters are either good, bad, or grey.
I am happy with my career.
I love the vibe that I get on the sets of south films.
I never imagined I would be in colourful costumes and dance!
If every individual starts listening to poetry, watch plays, and see paintings, they'll become a better human.
Art makes you a better human being, and that reflects in society.
I am an aware citizen, so I want my characters to be aware, too. They should be aware of what's happening in the society and make a commentary. They're not in a la la land.
Earlier, I used to take up any role that came my way. But now I feel that I should take time and consider the role before taking it up.
The National Award is a matter of pride for me, and it has also increased my responsibilities towards the country.
Though I have been acclaimed for 'Newton,' but my personally favourite is 'Gurgaon.'
I will make a conscious effort to pick up roles which give a social message besides being entertaining.
I believe that only a well-read, well-aware individual can make a great leader and build a progressive nation.
