Pankaj Tripathi learns Malayalam the unique way for Shakeela biopic

Pankaj Tripathi, after having his dream fulfilled by sharing screen space with superstar Rajinikanth in the recently released Tamil film Kaala is now all geared up to portray the role of a Malayali actor for his next, a biopic on adult film star and Malayalam sensation, Shakeela Khan. Pankaj will soon start shooting for the film and is supposed to play a character who was very important in Shakeela Khan’s life. The film is based on the life of the sensational actress and dancer who once ruled the South film industry, before her major breakthrough in the limelight.

Pankaj is diving into unchartered waters yet again with this role and has decided to make sure his prep is thorough. The National Award winning actor doesn't want to sound fake while delivering the dialogues and is therefore leaving no stone unturned to execute his role perfectly.

For his prep, the Masaan actor has decided to watch popular Malayalam films to get the diction and nuances right as he will be required to speak basic Malayalam throughout the film. He has also been watching Hindi movies starring various Malayalam actors and has been picking up their accent from the films, ensuring he enunciates correctly. He wants to sound real and doesn't want to sound off because that wouldn't do justice to his character. “I’ve watched the original Malayalam film which inspired Billu and many other films in curtain pieces, not entirely. I love Malayalam films. They make them so beautifully. Their story telling skills are brilliant. This role is very new to me; I have never done something like this before. I always try that I don’t copy the caricature. So it’s an original portrayal and I will mould it according to the feedback I receive from the director and the writer. Of course, I will say that it’s a very colourful role. There’s a particular type of body language, a hierarchy to it, a kind of status play as well. So let’s see. I hope the audience likes it as they have liked my other performances so far.”

When it comes to picking his roles, Pankaj has always gone for the parts that interest him the most. Every character he has played on screen has been a shadow of people he has interacted with in his life. Doing justice to his role is something all actors strive for and the Gurgaon actor is definitely amongst those who like to execute their characters to the T.

Pankaj Tripathi narrated ghost stories on the sets of Stree

Pankaj Tripathi who will soon be seen in the Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor starring horror comedy, Stree, had a rather interesting pass time while he was shooting for the film.

For someone, who from the trailer, seems to have an affinity for all things paranormal in the film, which is based on the Kannada urban legend of Nale Ba, used to narrate ghost stories on set to pass the time in between takes. Gathering the cast and crew of eager listeners, the Masaan actor would delve into stories he heard from his childhood to entertain everybody on sets.

Pankaj “I've always loved listening to stories, especially the paranormal kind. The fun was how people said it and how everyone seemed to have one. My village in Gopalganj had so many stories like these that I had heard growing up. So on set it started as a joke where we one day decided to share ghost stories but soon it became a regular thing and all the ones I had heard in my childhood came in handy, as I had many stories to tell. The location made it even spookier.” Pankaj said of his innovative way of setting the mood just right for a horror comedy. 

7 Unforgettable Dialogues by National Award winner Pankaj Tripathi

Acting goes hand in hand with emoting. And the power of speech helps us bring a particular emotion to life and give it flight. Masaan actor Pankaj Tripathi, is not only known for his awe inspiring performances but also for his comic timing and brilliantly delivered dialogues. In light of his National Award win for his enigmatic performance in Newton, here are 7 unforgettable dialogues by the Masaan actor.

1. Gangs of Wasseypur - Yeh Wasseypur hai! Yahan kabootar bhi ek pankh se udta hai aur dusre se apna ijjat chhupata hai.

2. Newton - Rules rules karte rehte hain basic rule bhul gaye. Addition ke pehle division hota hai.

3. Masaan - Humaare pitaji kehte hain joh kheer nahi khaaya woh maushya yoni mein paida hone ka puranta faayda nahi uthaaya.

4. Newton - Voting machine ek khilone jaisa hai. Joh pasand aaye, accha lage, woh button daba do!

5. Masaan - Deviji aapko pata hai yahan 28 traine rukti hain. Aur kitni nahi rukti?... 64! Matlab yahan aana aasaan hai, yahan se jaana mushkil!

6. Phamous – Sex kartey samay aadmi emotional nahi ho sakta kya?

7. Bareilly ki Barfi - Arre waah! Yeh toh sandaas se leke sushila tak sab dikh raha hai!