Pankaj Tripathi, a celebrated Indian actor predominantly known for his work in Bollywood, is renowned for his exceptional acting prowess. His impactful roles have solidified his status as a prominent figure in the Indian film industry.

Biography/Wiki

Born on September 5, 1976, (age 47 as of 2023), in Belsand, a small town in Bihar, India, Pankaj Tripathi’s journey is a testament to his dedication and talent. His early inclination towards acting was evident from his childhood participation in Chhath Festivals. Despite his father’s wish for him to become a doctor, Pankaj’s passion for acting persisted.

His schooling was at D.P.H. School, Gopalganj. In Patna, during his higher studies, he engaged in college politics with ABVP, showcasing his eloquence. He also excelled in sports, representing his college in high jump and the 100-meter sprint. After college, a stint in hotel management followed, working as a cook at Hotel Maurya for two years. This diverse experience enriched his life and perspective before embarking on his acting career.

Physical Appearance

Pankaj stands tall at 5’10” and weighs approximately 70 kg. He is distinguished by his dark brown eyes and black hair.

Family, Caste & Wife

Hailing from a Hindu family, Pankaj’s father, Pandit Banaras Tiwari (deceased August 21, 2023), was a farmer and priest, and his mother, Hemwanti, is a homemaker. He has three elder brothers and two elder sisters. He married Mridula on January 15, 2005, and they have a daughter, Aashi Tripathi.

Career

Pankaj’s foray into acting began with theatre in Patna, where he honed his skills. His breakthrough role as a local thief in a play based on Bhism Sahni’s work, directed by Vijay Kumar, marked a significant turning point. After four years of theatre, he moved to Delhi to attend the National School of Drama, graduating in 2004.

He then moved to Mumbai in October 2004, starting with small roles in films and television. His breakthrough role came with “Gangs of Wasseypur,” after an eight-hour audition, where he played “Sultan.” This launched his career into the mainstream.

His notable roles include “Fukrey,” “Manjhi: The Mountain Man,” and “Masaan”. He achieved his first lead role in the film “Gurgaon” in 2017. He has continued to garner critical acclaim and accolades for his powerful performances.

Favourites

Pankaj’s interests include:

• Cooking
• Reading
• Travelling
• Listening to music

His favorite actor is Amitabh Bachchan, and he enjoys collaborating with directors Anurag Kashyap and Ram Gopal Varma.

Facts

Here are some interesting facts about Pankaj Tripathi:

• He was a member of the RSS in his youth.
• His wife is a teacher in Goregaon, Mumbai.
• He wasn’t exposed to films until the 10th standard due to lack of television access.
• He received a National Film Award – Special Mention for his film, “Newton.”
• He was appointed National Icon of the Election Commission of India in October 2022.
• In September 2023, he inaugurated a library in Belsand, Bihar, in tribute to his father.
• He received the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for “Mimi” in October 2023.
• He will be portraying Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the upcoming film “Main Atal Hoon.”

Key Milestones in Pankaj Tripathi’s Career