Important to be aware, informed citizen to become a good comedian, says Pankaj Tripathi

National award-winning actor Pankaj Tripathi, who is known for his roles in films like Stree (2018), Fukrey Returns (2017) and Dabangg 2 (2012), believes artistes are judged by their performances and not by the roles they are portraying on screen.

"I do not believe in the categories," Tripathi said. "I feel if I act well, people will definitely appreciate me and recognize me. In today's time, it does not matter whether an actor is in a supporting role or in the lead role. What matters is the performance.

"Earlier, films used to revolve around only the main leads, but now that has changed. Every actor in the film gets due importance and credit. The role of the supporting actor is as important as the role of the protagonist in the film."

The actor, who is currently riding high on the success of Stree, a horror comedy, said he found his character in the film quite challenging. "Making people laugh and creating fear among them simultaneously was tough," he said. "But it was [director] Amar Kaushik and several technicians who helped in balancing both emotions at the same time."

Tripathi believes that to be a good comedian, one should be an aware and informed citizen. "It is very important for a comedian to stay connected to the news," he said. "I observe society and see what is happening in the world, then try to improvise my acts by including real-life examples in it. One should be socially and politically aware."