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Pankaj Tripathi recalls hotel job, police beating on path to fame
Published : Monday, 9 November, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Observer Online Report
Collected Photo
Acclaimed Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi recently reflected on his challenging journey to fame, revealing that he spent two years working at a hotel peeling potatoes and onions before pursuing an acting career.
Appearing as a guest on Netflix's The Great Indian Kapil Show, the Mirzapur star opened up about his student life, early employment struggles, and his decision to turn down political offers after achieving mainstream success.
Responding to an audience query regarding his early ambitions, Tripathi shared that he initially aspired to enter student politics during his university years, an ambition he abandoned following a severe confrontation with law enforcement.
"I wanted to become a student leader. But the police beat me so severely that I changed my mind that very day," Tripathi said. "I also worked at a hotel for two years peeling potatoes and onions. I always felt that my destiny lay elsewhere. Eventually, I landed in acting."
Addressing a question from co-guest Navjot Singh Sidhu regarding the rise of non-industry talent, Tripathi credited over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms with providing vital visibility to actors from modest backgrounds, adding that new mediums create fresh opportunities.
The actor also disclosed that he was approached to join active politics following his rise in popularity, an offer he declined in favour of his acting career.
"Politics is a massive responsibility. Serving people is a serious matter and by no means easy," Tripathi noted, adding that while politics holds the power to create direct social change, he remains focused on his creative work.
-EM
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, 01550707296
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]. [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], Online-email: [email protected]
