Pankaj Tripathi explains his reluctance to enter politics at Express eAdda

In 2020, actor Pankaj Tripathi appeared at Express eAdda, a series of live conversations hosted by The Indian Express newspaper with public figures. During the discussion he addressed the question of politics and whether he might switch careers.

Tripathi, who grew up in a village in Bihar and became one of Hindi cinema's best-known character actors, said he was hesitant about taking that step. His remarks touched on his earlier years and his interest in political activity as a young man, which gave the question particular weight for him.

The conversation mattered because Tripathi is widely admired for his grounded image and for speaking openly about his modest origins. His comments on politics showed how he weighed public life against his work in film, a theme that returned in later interviews about his student days and early struggles.