Actor Pankaj Tripathi, known for his distinctive roles in Hindi cinema, recently shared his thoughts on stardom, fame, and his decision to step back from the limelight. In a candid conversation, he emphasized that being a star is not about constant visibility but about leaving a lasting impression.
Definition of a Star
Speaking at WPP Media's BREW 2026, Pankaj Tripathi said, "For me, stardom is people's love, affection, and brand endorsements. Brands don't approach just good actors; they approach stars." He added that while market forces define stardom through commercial appeal, his personal view centers on connection, trust, and audience love.
When asked if he considers himself a star, he smiled and replied, "My bank account feels that way, but I don't." He elaborated that popularity is important, but being memorable matters more. "One shouldn't just be popular – even infamy brings popularity. I never tried to be popular, but I have definitely tried to be memorable."
Ongoing Break and Solitude
Pankaj, who had earlier expressed a desire to slow down, confirmed that his break from work continues. "It has been a good break. I'm still on one. I'm listening to stories and listening to my heart. I don't want to do too much now. If I do two films a year, that's enough for me."
He emphasized the importance of solitude: "When you are in solitude, you meet yourself, not anyone else. That's the phase I'm in right now – meeting myself." When asked what he discovered, he joked, "That I won't tell you. Later, I'll sell it in a book for 399 rupees." He added that self-discovery is hard to articulate, likening it to learning to ride a bicycle – it happens naturally.
Staying Out of Sight
Regarding the fear of being forgotten, Pankaj said, "No, not at all. I want to stay out of sight. Even stars in the sky disappear for hours. Even the moon vanishes for fifteen days and then returns." He stressed that constant paparazzi appearances are unnecessary. "The ones who want to remain constantly discussed will find it difficult to go out of sight, but memorable people remain alive regardless."
Update on Stree 3
On the much-anticipated sequel, Pankaj revealed, "Director Amar Kaushik is the right person to talk about Stree 3. He is writing it right now, but they are currently busy with another film. So even I'm not sure about when Stree 3 will happen."
Pankaj Tripathi continues to choose his projects carefully, focusing on quality over quantity, and remains one of the most respected actors in the industry.
