I love the vibe that I get on the sets of south films.

I never imagined I would be in colourful costumes and dance!

If every individual starts listening to poetry, watch plays, and see paintings, they'll become a better human.

Art makes you a better human being, and that reflects in society.

I am an aware citizen, so I want my characters to be aware, too. They should be aware of what's happening in the society and make a commentary. They're not in a la la land.

Earlier, I used to take up any role that came my way. But now I feel that I should take time and consider the role before taking it up.

The National Award is a matter of pride for me, and it has also increased my responsibilities towards the country.

Though I have been acclaimed for 'Newton,' but my personally favourite is 'Gurgaon.'

I will make a conscious effort to pick up roles which give a social message besides being entertaining.

I believe that only a well-read, well-aware individual can make a great leader and build a progressive nation.

I tend to read a lot of books and believe in a certain ideology.

Janhvi is a very sincere actress. She respects me a lot, and I, too, respect her for the sincerity and commitment towards her work.

When people love your work, your responsibilities grow.

The court dramas shown in films and TV are often superficial. They should have a gripping storyline, which can keep the audience hooked.

The audience in the country has evolved, and for them, it is about real characters.

Comedy is important, and I do not want to end up being recognised for just one genre.

After some time, there will be another Pankaj Tripathi.

I live in the present.

As a person, I am still grounded and humble.

I won't lose my mind now that I have fame, nor will I lose myself once it goes away.

I am a Sufi guy, so fame is maya for me, a worldly illusion.

I just need good scripts, good films, and I am glad I am doing them.

I come from a very common family background in a small village, and getting an opportunity from home state to represent the state for an important and sensitive work is an honour for me and my family.

I am playing a principal who also teaches maths in a government school in 'Nil Battey Sannata,' the story of which is based in Agra. He is a simple common man and a very interesting human being. His character will get the audience in splits.

I used to do comedy during my theatre days, and I was good at that.

I prefer comedy, as I have to act while playing a gangster. I have to put in a lot of effort to turn into a gangster, as I am not like that in real life. In comedy, one doesn't have to take up such stress.

Right after watching 'Kabul Express,' I wanted to work with Kabir sir. Moreover, earlier he was a documentary maker, and the respective genre has always fascinated me, and I still desire to work in one.

I had done plays, and Hindi theatre pays peanuts.

Big films help your reach a wider audience, and doing independent films keeps your artistic side happy.

We have freedom to experiment as an artiste - unlike lead heroes.

I have fun doing lighter roles, as I don't have to do anything against my emotions.

A good content always allows me to reach the depth of the characters, and thus, the performance looks more relatable and truthful.

It feels amazing to know that the whole country thought my role in 'Newton' was one of my best, and to win the Special Mention Award at the highest film award in India is just exhilarating.

Acting happened to me by chance. Even I'm surprised how a man from a small village, Belsand, in Gopalganj district has reached Bollywood.

I didn't have any high aspirations. I just went to Mumbai to get a job after I married Mridula. I thought if I didn't earn, my wife will criticise me.

I've never had any difficulty sharing the screen with any actor. For me, roles are challenging, not co-stars.

I am constantly working.

I do not count how many films or series I am doing in a year.

I try to pick the best from what is offered to me, and then with roles, also, I try to add something new. There is a constant conflict to not become repetitive.

The connect that I have with the audience comes from my hard work and sincerity towards my craft and also because of the opportunities that I have had. I have been able to engage with my audiences. They observe my performances minutely. They think I will do some magic on screen. They like me because I don't do over-the-top acting.

Across the world, wherever good art has been created, that society has been in crisis.

'Stree' is an entertaining film, but it has strong commentary about women.

I make sure I say something important without being preachy through all my performances.

The very fact that people make an effort to search and know more about me is a testament that I am doing my job well.

I am in awe of Rajinikanth. He is a great star, yet so easy-going and grounded.

I just don't play a character for the heck of it. Rather, I always look for a human element in every character that I play.

After passing out of the National School of Drama, I spent many years doing small-time roles in Bollywood.

I want to stay rooted forever.

It has happened many a times where I have taken a project and wasn't happy about it.

When you don't feel good about a film after taking it up, spending 10-15 days on the shoot sets becomes difficult.