Pankaj Tripathi is widely celebrated today as an exceptional actor who breathes life into every character he plays. His distinct performances have carved a special place in the hearts of moviegoers. However, only a few might know that this powerhouse performer was once an ardent fan of Sanjay Dutt, going to great lengths to imitate his style and appearance.
The Patna College Days and Fan Craze
In an older interview, Tripathi revealed that during his student days in Patna, he was not a general fan of Bollywood as an industry, but was exclusively devoted to Sanjay Dutt. He affectionately referred to him as Sanju Baba. His admiration reached a point where he actually grew his hair long to match the actor's look. He adopted his mannerisms and style, admitting that while cinema as a whole did not fascinate him much back then, his obsession with Sanjay Dutt was absolute.
Getting Lathi-Charged for Sadak Ticket
Recalling those times, the actor shared a fascinating anecdote from around 1993 to 1994. When Sanjay Dutt's movie 'Sadak' was running in theaters, Tripathi went to buy a ticket in Patna. In an era when multiplexes did not exist and black-marketing of tickets was rampant, the struggle to secure an entry was fierce. Tripathi recounted that he even had to endure lathi blows while trying to get his hands on the ticket for the film. Despite the trouble, the memory remains a testament to his fandom.
Sharing Screen Space Years Later
The journey from being a die-hard fan in the crowds of Patna to becoming a respected mainstream actor came full circle years later. Tripathi eventually got the opportunity to work alongside his childhood idol. He appeared alongside Sanjay Dutt in the 2012 action drama film 'Agneepath'. Going from taking lathi blows for a ticket to sharing the frame with the very same star marks a remarkable chapter in his cinematic journey.
