Pankaj Tripathi believes a doctor can save a dying man, but an artiste can do a lot more: heal a dying society by questioning the wrong and upholding the right.
The actor says an artiste's work should never exist in vanity as while science makes life easier, arts give it a meaning.
"In life, we have two segments: arts and science. We need science to make our lives easier. But what do we live for? We enjoy life through arts. So it's an artistes duty to question the wrongs happening in the society.
"To make a satire out of it. To make people aware through their art forms writing, painting, acting, etc" Tripathi told PTI.
The reason for the emphasis on an artiste to do work which reflects current scenario is, Tripathi says, art has the power to make people better.
"If every individual starts listening to poetry, watch plays and see paintings, they'll become a better human. Art makes you a better human being and that reflects in society. Across the world, wherever good art has been created, that society has been in crisis."
"Today we have films made on several topics. 'Stree' is an entertaining film but it has strong commentary about women. I make sure I say something important without being preachy through all my performances."
"An actor must read a lot. Books not only make one a good actor, but also a better human being. Second, you must work on your senses. We don't realise but we are losing the sense of sound slowly. When was the last time you registered listening to a flowing river or a chirping bird?