Bollywood is currently facing the wrath of several groups on the internet for nepotism, favouritism and the insider vs outsider debate. While several celebrities are not keen on commenting on the on-going debate, Pankaj Tripathi has come forward to address the issue. The actor, who has always been open to comment on various issues, said that nepotism never really bothered him as he has been busy working on his own skills.
About the nepotism debate, he said, '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."
He added, "Although I have never had any such experiences, I would not deny that I have seen these things happening in the industry with others. 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."
On his journey in Bollywood, he said, "I have had a very interesting journey. It has been like a dream sequence in the movies. I think I am one of the actors who represent rural India. I was in the villages until my 10th standard. I did not know what city life was until then. I think my journey in Bollywood shows that everything is possible. You can make your name in the world even if you are from a small village."
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He added, "Of course, it has not been easy. When there is a vacancy for one and there are 100 candidates, it will obviously be tough. To be an actor is like bagging a government job. In fact, being an actor is tougher I feel because you have to have the skill and you can only work hard. There is nothing else in your hands. My journey has definitely been tough but not impossible."
On if he ever faced difficulties in Bollywood, he said, "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. I have only changed in the sense that I have learnt my craft of performing arts and have read good books. As far as my looks and attire are concerned, I still wear what I am most comfortable in. I have never changed my originality."
(Source: TOI)
