The celebrated actor, Pankaj Tripathi, has often been praised for his authenticity and grounded perspective, which is rooted in his simple, village upbringing. This background, while providing him with a unique worldview, also led to certain preconceived notions—a journey of personal growth he openly shared in a recent interview. His candid reflection centered on an experience from his days at the National School of Drama (NSD), an institution that shaped many of India’s finest theatrical talents.
Tripathi admitted to a moment of initial, unconscious bias when he first encountered a female batchmate smoking a cigarette during his time at NSD. Having grown up in a more conservative environment, this sight led him to form a quick, negative ‘impression’ or judgement about her character.
This reaction is not uncommon, as deeply ingrained societal norms often dictate a different set of behavioral expectations for men and women, especially in a public or professional setting.
However, the actor’s profound realization came from a moment of self-reflection. He consciously compared his reaction to the sight of a woman smoking versus the sight of a man doing the same. He “When I first came to Delhi, I must have seen a female batchmate smoking and made an impression of her in my mind. But then I realised, if I watch a man smoke a cigarette, I don’t form that same image about his character. So, I was doing something wrong.”
This internal dialogue brought to light a clear gender double standard. He realized that the simple act of smoking, which he viewed as a neutral or unremarkable habit in a male peer, became a negative marker for the character of his female batchmate. His admission is a powerful testament to recognizing the inherent unfairness in judging people, particularly women, more harshly for the same actions that are passively accepted in men.
Personal Growth and Evolving Perspectives
Tripathi’s willingness to share this personal shift is significant. It underscores the idea that even those with strong cultural roots can, and should, evolve their perspectives when faced with new environments and experiences. His story moves beyond the act of smoking itself; it speaks to the broader issue of unlearning deep-seated biases related to gender, behavior, and character assessment.
The actor, known for portraying relatable characters, emphasizes that opening up to different viewpoints and challenging one’s own biases is essential for personal growth and becoming a more empathetic individual. This anecdote serves as a reminder that societal progress often starts with individual, honest self-assessment, and recognizing when one is, as he put it, “doing something wrong.” To know such updates, stay tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
