'I peeled potatoes...': Pankaj Tripathi recalls working at hotel
What's the story
Actor Pankaj Tripathi, along with Zakir Khan and Dr. Vikas Divyakirti, recently appeared on The Great Indian Kapil Show. During the episode, he opened up about his early life and student days. He also recalled working in a hotel for two years, where he peeled vegetables. The Mirzapur actor also revealed that he had received offers to enter politics after finding fame.
Career aspirations
Tripathi wanted to be a student leader
When an audience member asked Tripathi about his career aspirations during his student days, he said, "I wanted to be a student leader...but the police beat me so badly that I changed my mind that very day."
"I even worked at a hotel for two years, peeling onions and potatoes. I felt my destiny was elsewhere and not this," Indian Express quoted Tripathi as saying.
"Eventually, I got into acting, so these things happen naturally; let it take its course."
Industry insights
'OTT helped outsiders make a name'
When Navjot Singh Sidhu asked Tripathi about his success as an outsider in the industry, he credited OTT platforms for providing opportunities.
He said, "I agree that OTT helped outsiders make a name for themselves."
"We all belong to ordinary families, but in this democratic space we got opportunities and worked hard to earn our places."
"This possibility exists for every kid in India, and of course new mediums emerge, so new opportunities open up."
Political offers
He was once asked to join politics
Tripathi also revealed that he was once asked to join politics after becoming famous.
However, he declined, saying, "Someone asked me once if I wanted to join politics, but I said I was not interested."
"I said my acting job was just running fine; why do they want to shut it down? It's a massive responsibility."
"Serving the public is a serious business. And it's not easy."
Career shift
When he opened up about joining politics
In a 2020 interview at Express eAdda, Tripathi had said, "I have worked so hard to be an actor, and now people recognize me as an actor. It would seem a bit strange if I shifted careers from abhineta (actor) to neta (politician)."
"But politics does have the ability to effect change that can impact the lives of people directly."
"I don't know, maybe, in the future, if the opportunity presents itself."