Pankaj Tripathi to star in Kaala

Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi, who has films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Masaan and Nil Battey Sannata to his credit, is all set to step foot in Kollywood alongside  Superstar Rajinikanth. The actor will be sharing screen space with Thalaivar in Pa Ranjith’s ongoing gangster flick, Kaala.

Speaking to DC, Pankaj says, “Director Ranjith saw my work in Gangs of Wasseypur and Nil Battey Sannata, and found it interesting. So, he roped me in to play a cop with grey shades. Currently, I am shooting for Kaala in Mumbai and the schedule will go on till June 25. Post this, I will be shooting for some of my portions in Chennai as well.”

Considering this opportunity as a great achievement, Pankaj also reveals his fondness for the Superstar. “I am excited and happy that I got this offer. The real-life and reel-life of Bollywood actors are in complete contrast. Rajinikanth’s persona is the same everywhere and I can personally relate to him. His simplicity and humility are something that everyone needs to look up to.”

An interesting aspect is that Pankaj will be speaking his lines in Tamil! “It is quite difficult, but Ranjith’s team is helping me out and it is challenging to get the diction right,” he shares.

The Dilwale actor is pumped up with the response for his Hollywood film, Mango Dreams, directed by John Upchurch. “I play a Muslim auto-rickshaw driver and the movie traces the journey of the driver and the Hindu doctor who travel together from Ahmedabad to Pakistan. It is an interesting film,” he says and signs off.

Pankaj is also part of independent films — Newton and Gudgaon — which are doing wonders at international film festivals.