Actor Pankaj Tripathi has revealed that he once wanted to become a student leader but abandoned the ambition after police officers beat him during his student days, according to NDTV.
The actor shared the experience on “The Great Indian Kapil Show”, hosted by Kapil Sharma. Comedian Zakir Khan and educator Dr Vikas Divyakirti also appeared on the episode.
During the conversation, Tripathi reflected on his early struggles, his work before entering the film industry and the opportunities that eventually helped him establish himself as an actor.
An audience member asked Tripathi whether he had considered a different career while studying. He said his interest in student politics ended after his encounter with the police.
“I wanted to be a student leader, but the police beat me so badly that I changed my mind that very day,” he said.
Tripathi also revealed that he had worked at a hotel for two years, peeling onions and potatoes, before pursuing acting. He said he eventually realised that his future lay elsewhere and decided to follow his interest in performance.
The discussion also touched on the challenges of building a career without a film industry background. Responding to Navjot Singh Sidhu’s question about the role of streaming platforms in his success, Tripathi acknowledged that OTT services had created opportunities for actors from ordinary backgrounds.
He said digital platforms had helped outsiders establish themselves through hard work and offered new possibilities to aspiring performers across India.
Tripathi also revealed that he had received offers to enter politics after gaining recognition as an actor. However, he has previously expressed reservations about switching careers.
During an interaction at Express eAdda in 2020, he explained that moving from acting to politics would be a significant change after years of building his reputation.
“I have worked so hard to be an actor, and now people recognise me as an actor,” he said, adding that a move from “abhineta” (actor) to “neta” (politician) would feel strange.
However, Tripathi acknowledged that politics could bring direct changes to people’s lives. He did not rule out the possibility entirely, saying he might consider it if the opportunity arose in the future.
