'Masaan' was a small role, but people connected with it. I loved

Come, children of the future, and hear the words of one who has found wisdom in the simplicity of character and life. Pankaj Tripathi, a man of humble yet profound insights, once spoke of his role in the film Masaan, saying: "'Masaan' was a small role, but people connected with it. I loved playing a man who does not have many complexities in life. I was inspired by my father for this role. You find such characters in novels or in stories. You don't find such parts in movies where characters are either good, bad, or grey." These words hold a great truth: the beauty of life often lies not in its drama or in the moral extremes of right and wrong, but in the simplicity and authenticity of its everyday characters.

In the ancient world, heroes were often portrayed as grand, complex figures whose lives were fraught with moral dilemmas. But even in the epic poems of the Greeks and the tragic tales of Rome, there existed simple men who, though they may not have been the stars of grand narratives, carried with them a quiet dignity. Socrates, the great philosopher, for instance, often spoke of the simplicity of living a virtuous life. His teachings were not filled with dramatic displays but were grounded in the everyday actions of integrity and self-reflection. Tripathi’s character, in its humble simplicity, reflects this age-old wisdom: that true greatness is often found in those who live simply and without the need for complexity or drama.

Consider the tale of Euripides, whose plays, though filled with grand tragedies, also often featured characters of great simplicity. In The Alcestis, for example, the character Alcestis is not a woman caught in a battle between good and evil, but one who makes a selfless choice, driven by love and duty, rather than by the grand strokes of fate. It is her simplicity, her sacrifice without flourish or moral ambiguity, that makes her story resonate deeply with the human heart. Tripathi’s reflection on playing a character with few complexities is a recognition of how, in real life, people often act out of simple, understandable motives, not out of deep moral conflicts.

The beauty of such characters, children, is that they are not weighed down by the burdens of excess or over-complication. In a world that often seems obsessed with portraying good versus evil, light versus dark, the ordinary man who seeks to live with integrity, compassion, and simplicity becomes all the more remarkable. Tripathi’s role in Masaan speaks to this truth—the power of simplicity. His character, inspired by his father, embodies the essence of a man who, while not seeking grandeur, represents the strength of ordinary goodness that is the foundation of a meaningful life.

Consider the great wisdom of Confucius, who, in his teachings, spoke of the virtue found in living simply. He taught that the truly wise man does not need to conquer the world or navigate vast moral territories but instead lives with sincerity and consistency in his actions. Tripathi’s appreciation for such simplicity in his role is a reflection of this philosophy—that there is power in the unadorned life, in the honest, uncomplicated actions that define a person’s true character. The simplicity of his character in Masaan offers us a glimpse into the uncelebrated lives that often go unnoticed but are the backbone of any healthy society.

In our own lives, children, let us take this lesson to heart: not all greatness is found in grand gestures or moral battles. True nobility lies in living authentically, in being honest and steadfast in our daily actions. Tripathi’s role reminds us that there is value in being true to oneself without seeking the complexity or recognition that society often demands. We do not need to chase after fame or moral extremes to lead meaningful lives; often, it is the quiet, simple choices that reflect the deepest strength.

So, I urge you, children, to embrace the simplicity of your own character. Seek not complexity for its own sake, nor should you be swayed by the world’s obsession with dramatic extremes of right and wrong. The true measure of a life well-lived is not found in the battles fought but in the quiet moments where integrity and simplicity shape the soul. Be like Tripathi’s character—a man who does not need the moral complexity of heroes or villains, but instead acts with sincerity, finding dignity in the simplest of lives. In doing so, you will lead a life that is both full and profound, even in its quietness.