Actor Pankaj Jha, known for his role as MLA Chandra Kishore Vidhayak in the series ‘Panchayat,’ recently took aim at fellow actor Pankaj Tripathi during an interview with Lallantop Cinema. Jha criticized Tripathi for what he perceived as romanticizing his own struggles in the entertainment industry. He also alleged that Mukesh Chhabra had replaced him with Tripathi in the film ‘Gangs of Wasseypur,’ despite initially considering Jha for the role of Sultan.
In his discussion on the concept of struggle in the industry, Jha expressed his disapproval of the term ‘struggle,’ suggesting that those pursuing their passions should find joy in the process. He highlighted the tendency to glamorize hardships, citing examples such as claiming to have sold potatoes or lived in modest accommodations.
Jha underscored the importance of viewing every experience as a learning opportunity. He hinted at an incident involving Tripathi reportedly taking Manoj Bajpayee’s slippers during their time working together at a hotel.
Moreover, Jha touched upon the prevalence of complexes and large egos within the industry, noting how minor actions like not greeting someone or expressing opinions can lead to ostracization from future collaborations. He recounted a personal experience of being considered for a role in ‘Gangs of Wasseypur,’ only to have the role given to someone else without explanation upon his return from Patna, resulting in a breakdown in communication from the production house.
The article also hinted at the upcoming release of ‘Mirzapur’ season 3 in June, suggesting that tensions within the industry might not be limited to on-screen drama.