Pankaj Tripathi once revealed how Sanjay Dutt inspired him during his student days in Patna, even prompting him to grow long hair and adopt the actor’s mannerisms. The two actors later shared screen space in films including Agneepath and Dus, adding an interesting chapter to their Bollywood connection.
Renowned Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi has often spoken about his journey into the film industry and the personalities who influenced him along the way. Among them, veteran actor Sanjay Dutt holds a special place in Tripathi’s memories. The actor once revealed that his admiration for Sanjay Dutt was so strong during his student days in Patna that he even grew his hair long and tried to imitate the star’s distinctive style and demeanour.
While interacting with a media portal, Pankaj Tripathi opened up about his admiration for Sanjay Dutt and recalled how he stood apart from other Bollywood fans of his generation. According to Tripathi, he was not particularly interested in following Bollywood stars in general. Instead, Sanjay Dutt was the one actor whom he deeply admired.
Tripathi recalled his student days in Patna and said that he was particularly influenced by what he called “Sanju Baba.” His admiration went beyond simply watching Dutt’s films. For a period of time, Tripathi decided to grow his hair like Sanjay Dutt and also attempted to carry himself in a similar manner.
The Mimi actor recalled, “I was not a fan of Bollywood. I was a fan of Sanju Baba. I used to study in Patna. For a few days, I even grew my hair like Baba. And I used to keep my demeanor also like him. I am only influenced by him. I am not influenced by any other hero.”
Tripathi also shared a memorable and humorous anecdote connected to one of Sanjay Dutt’s films. He recalled an incident from the early 1990s when he travelled to buy tickets for Dutt’s popular film Sadak in Patna. At the time, cinema ticketing was very different from the multiplex-driven system audiences are familiar with today. According to Tripathi, black-market ticket sales were common, and the rush surrounding popular films could become intense.
While attempting to get a ticket for Sadak, Tripathi said he was hit by a lathi. He later narrated the incident to Sanjay Dutt himself, making the memory even more special for the actor.
The connection between the two actors eventually moved beyond admiration from a distance. Pankaj Tripathi and Sanjay Dutt later shared screen space in Bollywood projects. They worked together in the 2005 film Dus, while they were also part of the cast of the 2012 action drama Agneepath.
In Agneepath, Sanjay Dutt portrayed the menacing antagonist Kancha Cheena, one of the film’s most memorable characters. Pankaj Tripathi appeared in a supporting role, marking another professional association between the actor and the star who had inspired him during his younger years.
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Tripathi’s story offers an interesting glimpse into how Bollywood stars can influence aspiring actors long before they enter the industry themselves. From copying Sanjay Dutt’s hairstyle and mannerisms as a student to eventually sharing the screen with him, Tripathi’s journey reflects a remarkable transition from admirer to fellow actor.
Meanwhile, Pankaj Tripathi continues to remain one of Hindi cinema’s most recognised performers, known for his versatile performances across films and streaming projects. He is also set to reprise his popular role as Akhandanand Tripathi, better known as Kaleen Bhaiya, further adding to the anticipation surrounding his upcoming work.
