Pankaj Tripathi, born on September 5, either in 1975 or 1976, hails from the quaint village of Belsand in Gopalganj District, Bihar, India. His upbringing was humble, with his father being a farmer and a Hindu priest. Tripathi’s original last name was Tiwari, which he legally changed to Tripathi during his school years. As a child, he even participated in amateur plays, often portraying female characters in local village performances.
Tripathi’s journey into acting began with uncredited roles in the Kannada-language drama Chigurida Kanasu (2003). In 2004, he moved to Mumbai, where he gradually made his mark in the Hindi film industry. Let’s delve into the fascinating life and career of this acclaimed actor.
Personal Life
Tripathi married Mridula in 2004, and they have a child together. His dedication to his craft, natural acting skills, and ability to seamlessly slip into diverse roles have made him a beloved figure in Indian cinema.
Pankaj Tripathi’s journey from a small village in Bihar to the silver screen is a testament to talent, hard work, and the magic of storytelling. As he continues to enthrall audiences, we eagerly await his next captivating performance.
Early Career (2004–2012)
Tripathi’s initial roles included a politician in a Tata Tea advertisement and an uncredited appearance in the romantic action film Run (2004). However, it was Anurag Kashyap’s crime drama Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) that catapulted him to recognition. His portrayal of Sultan Qureshi in the film left an indelible mark, showcasing his raw talent and versatility.
Notable Roles and Awards
Tripathi’s filmography boasts an array of memorable performances:
- Fukrey (2013): A quirky comedy where he played Panditji.
- Masaan (2015): His role as Sadhya Ji garnered critical acclaim.
- Nil Battey Sannata (2016): A heartwarming film where he portrayed Principal Srivastava.
- Bareilly Ki Barfi, Fukrey Returns (both 2017), and Stree (2018): Supporting roles that added depth to the narratives.
- Mirzapur (2018–present): His portrayal of Kaleen Bhaiya in this web series became iconic.
- Newton (2017): His performance earned him the National Film Award – Special Mention.
- Mimi (2021): A heartwarming tale where he won both the National Film Award and the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Tripathi’s journey extends beyond Hindi cinema. He appeared in the Tamil film Kaala (2018) and the English film Extraction (2020). His recent success includes the commercially hit satire OMG 2 (2023).
Pankaj Tripathi, the versatile actor, has an exciting lineup of movies and TV shows. Let’s checkout into what’s in store for this talented artist:
- Gulkanda Tales: An intriguing project that promises captivating storytelling.
- Mirzapur 3: The eagerly awaited continuation of the Prime Video original crime drama, where Tripathi shines as the formidable antagonist, Akhanda Tripathi (aka Kaleen Bhaiya).
- Oh My God 2: A sequel to the thought-provoking comedy-drama, where Tripathi’s performance is bound to leave an impact.
- Fukrey 3: The next installment in the quirky comedy franchise, where Tripathi’s character adds depth to the ensemble.
- Murder Mubarak: An intriguing title that hints at suspense and drama.
- Kadak Singh: A project that likely showcases Tripathi’s versatility.
- Metro Inn Dino: An exciting addition to his filmography.
Pankaj Tripathi’s ability to seamlessly transition between tough patriarchs, caring fathers, and layered characters continues to captivate audiences. Keep an eye out for these upcoming releases—they’re sure to be a treat!