Prominent actor Pankaj Tripathi has issued a strong rebuttal to accusations made by fellow actor Pankaj Jha. Jha, known for his role in the popular series Panchayat, recently accused the Mirzapur star of romanticizing his hardships and struggles. Tripathi, however, has categorically denied these claims, insisting that he has never tried to glamorize his life’s challenges.
In an interview with India Today, Tripathi addressed the remarks made by Jha, notably commenting that he never made any statements about tying a “gamcha” (a traditional towel) around his waist and sleeping outside Andheri station. “I never romanticized my journey or struggles,” Tripathi declared. “Yes, I did mention that my wife used to earn while I looked for work. But I never said that I would tie a gamcha on my waist and sleep outside Andheri station. I had a good and happy life when we moved to Mumbai. I have never tried to glamorize or seek sympathy from it.”
Tripathi highlighted the importance of personal journey and individual battles, noting that while some may find inspiration in such stories, it is not a necessity. “We live our own journeys and fight our own battles. When you read or hear these stories, some may get inspired. And even if they don’t, that’s not an issue. One has just to live their own lives the way they want,” he added.
The actor also spoke candidly about his sources of inspiration within the industry, naming renowned actors Om Puri, Irrfan Khan, and Manoj Bajpayee as significant influences. “I have also been influenced a lot by Om saab (Om Puri), Irrfan, or Manoj bhaiya (Manoj Bajpayee). I have definitely taken inspiration from them.
. Similarly, some may be motivated by my journey or someone else’s. We are all on our journey and if someone may connect with some part of it, not necessarily in terms of acting and art but in any way,” Tripathi elaborated.
When asked about how such allegations by industry colleagues affect him, Tripathi remained unfazed and expressed his resilience. “Not at all. I am not someone to get hurt. All this noise doesn’t affect me at all,” he stated confidently.
Aside from addressing these allegations, Pankaj Tripathi is currently gearing up for the release of his highly anticipated series, Mirzapur Season 3. Produced by Excel Media & Entertainment and directed by Gurmmeet Singh and Anand Iyer, the upcoming season promises to deliver more of the gritty, engaging narrative that fans have come to love. The show boasts an outstanding ensemble cast, including Ali Fazal, Shweta Tripathi Sharma, Rasika Dugal, Vijay Varma, Isha Talwar, Anjum Sharma, Priyanshu Painyuli, Harshita Shekhar Gaur, Rajesh Tailang, Sheeba Chadha, Meghna Malik, and Manu Rishi Chadha. Viewers can catch the third season exclusively on Prime Video starting July 5.
This public rebuttal from Tripathi comes as he continues to receive critical acclaim for his performances and maintains a growing fanbase. His portrayal of characters in hit series like Mirzapur has cemented his place in the Indian entertainment industry, where he is celebrated not just for his acting skills but also for his inspiring life story.
The ongoing dialogue between Tripathi and Jha highlights the complexities that actors face within their careers, particularly when narratives about their personal lives intertwine with their professional personas. While some criticism is inevitable, Tripathi’s response underscores his commitment to authenticity and his refusal to let external perceptions overshadow his journey.
As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Jha will respond further to Tripathi’s statements. For now, Pankaj Tripathi’s fans eagerly await his next performance, confident that this talented actor remains grounded and inspired, regardless of the noise surrounding him.
