Pankaj Tripathi on ‘Criminal Justice 4’: Comfort in Acting is Good, But Confidence Can Be Risky
Mumbai, June 1 (TTP) — Acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi, who has received overwhelming praise for his performance in the recently released season 4 of the legal drama Criminal Justice, says actors must tread carefully between comfort and overconfidence in their craft.
In a recent conversation with IANS, the actor reflected on his journey, character work, and how he finds the delicate balance that makes a performance both simple and impactful.
Effortless Acting Requires Real Effort
Tripathi, known for bringing a grounded realism to his characters, shared a valuable insight:
“The sense of comfort is not a dangerous thing. Following up the sense of comfort with the sense of confidence can be dangerous, because a lot of effort is required to look effortless.”
He explained that when actors begin to rely solely on confidence post-comfort, their performances risk becoming mechanical or uninspired.
“There is a fine difference between being bloodless and effortless. The performance may become dull, lifeless — it should be lively, there should be a touch,” he added.
Criminal Justice 4: Madhav Mishra Returns
Tripathi reprises his role as Madhav Mishra, a street-smart and morally grounded lawyer, in the fourth season of the popular Hotstar Specials series Criminal Justice, which is now streaming on JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar under the JioHotstar banner.
Directed by Rohan Sippy, the season also stars Surveen Chawla and Shweta Basu Prasad, and continues the show’s tradition of blending legal drama with emotional storytelling. It is produced by Applause Entertainment in association with BBC Studios India.
Madhav Mishra and Aadhaar – A Unique Connection
Tripathi also quipped that slipping into the skin of Madhav Mishra is no longer a challenge:
“I can easily get into Madhav’s headspace. I think my Aadhaar is linked to him.”
This humorous comment reflects just how deeply the character has become embedded in the actor’s identity. Aadhaar, for reference, is India’s twelve-digit unique biometric identity system and the world’s largest such platform.
The Fine Line Between Simplicity and Depth
Tripathi emphasized that true acting lies in creating performances that seem effortless while still carrying emotional weight:
“An actor should always strive to make his performance simple yet appealing... there should be flesh and blood to that performance.”
Why Pankaj Tripathi’s Insights Matter
At a time when streaming platforms are rapidly redefining the boundaries of storytelling, actors like Pankaj Tripathi remind audiences and fellow artists that emotional authenticity and subtlety often have a deeper impact than dramatic flair. His portrayal of Madhav Mishra has consistently drawn acclaim for being both grounded and powerful — without ever seeming forced.