Actor Pankaj Tripathi was seen recently The Great Indian Kapil ShowHosted by Kapil Sharma, with comedian Zakir Khan and educator Dr. Vikas Divyakirti.
During the conversation, the actor looked back on his student days, his early struggles and the journey that eventually got him recognized in the film industry. He also recalled working in a hotel before becoming an actor and revealed that he once received offers to enter politics.
Pankaj Tripathi recalls working in a hotel before becoming an actor
During the episode, an audience member asked Pankaj if he had ever considered pursuing a different career while he was a student. In response to the question, the actor spoke about his brief interest in student politics and an experience that made him rethink his decision.
He said, “I wanted to be a student leader, but the police beat me so badly that I changed my mind that day. I also worked as an onion and potato peeler in a hotel for two years. I felt my destiny was somewhere else, not this. Eventually, I got into acting, so these things happen naturally, let it take its course.”
The conversation also spoke about Pankaj’s journey as an outsider in the entertainment industry. When Navjot Singh Sidhu asked him about making a name for himself without a background in the film industry and whether OTT platforms played a role in his success, the actor acknowledged the opportunities offered by digital platforms.
Pankaj said, “I agree that OTT helped outsiders make a name for themselves. We all belong to normal families, but in this democratic space we got opportunities and worked hard to earn our place. This potential is there for every kid in India, and of course new mediums emerge, so new opportunities open up.”
Pankaj Tripathi is getting offers to join politics
Apart from discussing his early struggles, Pankaj also revealed that he received offers to enter politics after establishing himself as an actor. However, he has previously spoken about why he was hesitant to switch careers.
During a conversation on Express eAdda in 2020, Pankaj addressed the possibility of entering politics and explained why it would be a difficult decision to leave acting for another profession.
He had said, “I have worked hard to become an actor, and now people recognize me as an actor. It will look a bit strange if I change career from actor (actor) to neta (politician). But politics has the potential to bring about a change that can directly affect people’s lives. I don’t know, maybe in the future, if the opportunity presents itself.”
Pankaj Tripathi has since become one of the most recognized actors in Hindi cinema, with performances in films and OTT projects garnering considerable acclaim. He is especially known for his work Mirzapur, Gali, Newton, mm And OMG 2.