Pankaj Tripathi revealed that Kaleen Bhaiya stands apart from the stereotypical dons typically seen on screen, as he doesn’t crave power or is aggressive.While talking to News18, he explained, “If you set aside his profession, he’s actually a very decent guy. I have made him relatable to the audience.” This fresh take on the character allows viewers to see a more nuanced portrayal of a don, one that contrasts sharply with the traditional image of a ruthless crime lord.
The actor emphasized that Kaleen Bhaiya’s grace and respectful demeanor, except towards his wife, reflect a reality often observed in society. “He talks to everyone with a lot of respect, except his wife. Par wahi toh charitra hai na samaaj ka (isn’t that the reality of society?)” he added.
Pankaj is celebrated for his relatable persona both on and off the screen. He believes that this connection with the audience must be genuine. He mentioned that while in movies a person is only an actor, in real life, he or she is also a director. “If we misdirect, we will become someone else. Relatability is extremely important to connect an actor with the audience, but it has to be organic and that’s where craft comes into play.”
He recounted an incident from Hindu College in Delhi, where a young girl remarked that he seemed like her uncle. “I smiled and said, ‘Main toh tumse pehli baar mil raha hoon aaj. Phir chacha kaise lagta hoon? (We have just met today. How do I seem like your uncle?)’ But I realized it’s through my characters that are extremely relatable.”
At the same time, it is important to maintain a unique touch within that relatability. The actor mentioned that if people think they have seen such a relatable character around themselves and deem it boring, they will not be interested in seeing them on the big screen.
Looking ahead, Pankaj Tripathi is set to appear in ‘Stree 2’, further demonstrating his dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences through diverse and compelling characters. Slated to release in August, the movie’s trailer has been recently released and Pankaj’s work is being highly loved by the audience.
