Mumbai, September 4 (Daily Kiran) : Pankaj Tripathi is now a prominent name in Hindi cinema. His mere association with a film piques audience interest. However, his rise to fame was not instantaneous. Hailing from a small village in Bihar, his journey to Mumbai involved years of hard work, theater, and even night shifts in hotels.
Born on September 5, 1976, in Belsand village of Gopalganj district, Tripathi grew up in a modest household. His father was a farmer and a priest. He spent his childhood immersed in rural life, participating in local plays. His passion for acting ignited after witnessing a performance in Patna, which moved him to tears. This experience led him to regularly attend theater performances in the city.
In 1996, Tripathi began to pursue theater seriously. However, making a living through acting was challenging, prompting him to take on jobs. He worked night shifts in a hotel while performing in theater during the day, a grueling routine he maintained for about two years. After long nights at work, he would catch a few hours of sleep before heading to the theater, only to return to his job later that night.
In an interview, Tripathi revealed that his hotel job was crucial for his survival. Lacking funds for expensive acting schools, he aimed to enroll in the National School of Drama (NSD). After multiple attempts, he was finally accepted into NSD in 2001. By 2004, he had completed his studies and moved to Mumbai with a mere 46,000 rupees, but soon found himself with just 10 rupees left.
In Mumbai, he started with small roles in films such as “Run,” “Apaharan,” “Omkara,” “Shaurya,” “Raavan,” and “Agneepath.” He also appeared in various television series. His breakthrough came in 2012 with “Gangs of Wasseypur,” which garnered him significant recognition. Following this, he showcased his versatility in films like “Fukrey,” “Masaan,” “Nil Battey Sannata,” “Bareilly Ki Barfi,” “Stree,” and “Ludo.” His performances in web series “Mirzapur” and “Criminal Justice” further amplified his popularity.
Tripathi has adeptly avoided typecasting, portraying a range of characters from serious to menacing, and relatable everyday individuals. His work in “Newton” earned him a National Film Award, and his role in “Mimi” garnered him accolades including the National Film Award and Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. He proudly holds two National Film Awards to his name.
Pankaj Tripathi’s story is a testament to determination and talent, inspiring many aspiring actors across India.
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