After a year’s creative break, Pankaj Tripathi is in search of meaningful cinema
After a year-long hiatus to deal with creative fatigue, Pankaj Tripathi has revealed a change in his cinematic priorities. Actors now look for projects that balance depth with entertainment, choosing roles that offer artistic satisfaction and meaningful storytelling rather than survival in the film industry.
Actor Pankaj Tripathi recalled that he took a break of almost a year from films after he felt tired and creatively unfulfilled due to constant projects. He reflected on the kind of work he wants to do now and how his priorities have changed over time.
Pankaj, in an interview with Diversitysaid, “I was working back-to-back on projects. A feeling of boredom and fatigue had set in. I was not enjoying my work. A break was much needed. I have become more selective now. I leave my house for work that excites me. I don’t want to do every project that comes my way.”
The actor said, “I am at a stage of life where I work only for excitement and artistic satisfaction. I can’t do it for EMIs and survival. I want to continue doing this and see if it works for me in the long run.”
Pankaj revealed that his approach towards choosing roles has changed; He is now attracted to projects that manage to bridge the gap between pure entertainment and meaningful depth. He emphasized that for him, a truly compelling narrative needs to offer more than just a polished exterior.
The 49-year-old said, “Now I want to be a part of meaningful cinema which is also entertaining. In India, people mainly watch films for entertainment, which is why entertainment is taxed. But storytelling is not just entertainment. It has to have something to say as well.”
The actor has entered production ideal familyIndia’s first YouTube Pay Model series. Starring Gulshan Devaiah, Neha Dhupia, Manoj Pahwa, Seema Pahwa and Girija Oak, the drama explores mental health in Indian families.
Pankaj will be seen next time Mirzapur: The Movie, Ali Fazal, Jitendra Kumar, Ravi Kishan, Abhishek Banerjee, Rasika Duggal, Shweta Tripathi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Harshita Gaur, Sushant Singh, Mohit Malik, Sheeba Chaddha, Rajesh Tailang, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Sonal Chauhan, Pramod Pathak and Anangsha Biswas are in lead roles.
Mirzapur: The Movie Set for theatrical release on September 4, 2026.
