Pankaj Tripathi on Nepotism: “The audience is very smart. They know who is talented and who is not.”

Nepotism is still a very much heated debate in the industry. 

Versatile actor Pankaj Tripathi, who’s known for his wide range from – Sacred Games, Mirzapur to Stree, Bareilly Ki Barfi and Gunjan Saxena, has also added his two cents. In an interview with TOI, Pankaj opened up on nepotism. 

The actor talked about how nepotism didn’t bother him – “Nepotism has never really bothered me in any way. I have always been busy working on my craft. People might think I am lying when I say that I have never felt uncomfortable in the industry. But this journey and experience have been mine so I only can say how it was so far. My truth is that I have had my share of struggles. I have worked immensely hard to bag roles in films. I have struggled for eight long years before people started recognizing me. Although I have never had any such experiences, I would not deny that I have seen these things happening in the industry with others.”

Commenting further, Tripathi also elaborated on star kids, talent and the audience.

“Star kids do get opportunities quicker than others because they belong to a certain family. I never got opportunities so easily. However, nobody stopped me too. No matter if you become a recognized actor after eight years of struggle or just a mere eight days if you do not have the talent; you will not survive in this industry. The audience is very smart. They know who is talented and who is not.”

Pankaj concluded by mentioning how he hasn’t changed himself for the industry. “People in this industry are very good and have always given me love and respect. I have not changed myself even a little to be a part of this industry. I am still that man from rural India. As far as my looks and attire are concerned, I still wear what I am most comfortable in. I have never changed my originality.”