Pankaj Tripathi seeks meaningful cinema after a year-long creative break
After a yearlong hiatus to combat creative fatigue, Pankaj Tripathi has revealed a shift in his cinematic priorities. The actor is now seeking projects that balance entertainment with depth, choosing roles that offer artistic satisfaction and meaningful storytelling over mere survival in the film industry.
Actor Pankaj Tripathi recalled taking an almost yearlong break from films after consecutive projects left him feeling fatigued and creatively unfulfilled. He reflected on the kind of work he now wants to pursue, and how his priorities have changed over time.
Pankaj, in an interview with Variety, said, "I was working back-to-back on projects. A sense of boredom and fatigue had crept in. I wasn't enjoying my work. A break was much needed. I have become more selective now. I leave my home for work that excites me. I don't want to do every project that comes my way."
"I am in a phase of life where I only act for excitement and artistic satisfaction. I can't do it for EMI and survival. I want to keep doing this and see if this works for me in the long run," the actor highlighted.
Pankaj explained that his approach to choosing roles has shifted; he is now drawn to projects that manage to bridge the gap between pure entertainment and meaningful depth. He emphasised 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 part of a meaningful cinema that is also entertaining. In India, people primarily watch movies for entertainment, which is why there is an entertainment tax. But storytelling is not just entertainment. It should have something to say as well."
The actor has stepped into production with Perfect Family, India's first YouTube pay model series. The dramedy, featuring Gulshan Devaiah, Neha Dhupia, Manoj Pahwa, Seema Pahwa, and Girija Oak explores mental health in Indian families.
Pankaj be next seen in Mirzapur: The Movie, featuring Ali Fazal, Jitendra Kumar, Ravi Kishan, Abhishek Banerjee, Rasika Duggal, Shweta Tripathi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Harshita Gaur, Sushant Singh, Mohit Malik, Sheeba Chadha, Rajesh Tailang, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Sonal Chauhan, Pramod Pathak and Anangsha Biswas in pivotal characters.
Mirzapur: The Movie is set for a theatrical release on September 4, 2026.