Pankaj Tripathi early life and education
Pankaj Tripathi, born on September 5 in either 1975 or 1976, hails from Belsand village in the Gopalganj District of Bihar, India. The youngest of four children, Pankaj was born to Pandit Benares Tiwari, a farmer and Hindu priest, and Hemwanti Tiwari. Life in a small village meant that Pankaj was well-acquainted with the hardships of rural India. He worked as a farmer alongside his father until he was in the 11th standard, learning the values of hard work and perseverance early on.
Interestingly, Pankaj’s original surname was Tiwari, which he later changed to Tripathi while in the 9th grade. Even as a child, he exhibited a flair for drama, often performing as a girl in local village plays during festive seasons. This early exposure to acting planted the seeds for what would become a remarkable career.
After completing high school, Pankaj moved to Patna, where he pursued his studies at the Institute of Hotel Management, Hajipur. It was during his seven-year stay in Patna that his passion for acting grew stronger. Following his heart, Pankaj moved to Delhi to enroll in the National School of Drama, from where he graduated in 2004.
Pankaj Tripathi acting career
Post-graduation, Pankaj’s journey in the film industry began with minor roles in various films. His initial filmography includes small parts in acclaimed movies such as Omkara (2006), Raavan (2010), and Agneepath (2012). In addition, he played a supporting role in the television series Powder (2010). Despite the modest nature of these roles, Pankaj’s performances did not go unnoticed. His dedication and nuanced portrayals hinted at the potential of a future star.
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Pankaj Tripathi breakthrough and rise to fame
Pankaj Tripathi’s breakthrough came with Anurag Kashyap’s crime drama Gangs of Wasseypur (2012). His portrayal of Sultan Qureshi garnered critical acclaim and brought him into the limelight. This role marked the beginning of a series of notable supporting roles in films such as Fukrey (2013), Masaan (2015), Nil Battey Sannata (2016), Bareilly Ki Barfi, and Fukrey Returns (both 2017). Each performance showcased his versatility and depth as an actor, earning him a dedicated fanbase.
In 2017, Pankaj’s role in Newton won him the National Film Award – Special Mention. This recognition was a testament to his ability to bring authenticity and gravitas to his characters. The same year, he starred in the commercially successful Stree (2018), which further cemented his status as a talented and bankable actor.
Pankaj Tripathi films and series
Pankaj Tripathi’s career witnessed a significant shift with the advent of streaming platforms. His leading role in the Amazon Prime series Mirzapur (2018–present) as Kaleen Bhaiya turned him into a household name. The show’s popularity skyrocketed, making Pankaj one of the most sought-after actors in the industry. He also delivered stellar performances in Criminal Justice (2019–2022) and the streaming film Kaagaz (2021).
His versatility extended to other languages and international projects as well. Pankaj appeared in the Tamil film Kaala (2018) and the English film Extraction (2020), proving his mettle across different genres and industries.
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Pankaj Tripathi accolades and recent successes
Pankaj’s performance in Mimi (2021) won him the National Film Award and the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. This recognition was a significant milestone in his career, acknowledging his consistent excellence in acting. His recent work in the satire OMG 2 (2023) and the Fukrey sequel gave him 2 back to back 100 crore+ films at the box office, adding to his impressive filmography.
Pankaj Tripathi net worth, investments and earnings
Pankaj Tripathi’s success in the film industry has translated into substantial earnings. As an actor, his fee per project has increased significantly over the years. Reports suggest that he charges between ₹3-4 crores per film, making him one of the higher-paid actors in the industry. His involvement in web series and endorsements further boosts his income.
In terms of investments, Pankaj has been prudent. He owns multiple properties, including a few luxurious properties in Madh Island in Mumbai and a farmhouse in his native village in Bihar. He has also invested in the hospitality sector, leveraging his education in hotel management. His earnings from films, web series, and brand endorsements contribute to a steadily growing net worth, estimated to be around ₹45 crores.
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Pankaj Tripathi relatable and down-to-earth persona
Despite his success, Pankaj Tripathi remains grounded and relatable. He often speaks about his humble beginnings and the values instilled in him by his family. His journey from a small village in Bihar to the glitz and glamour of Bollywood resonates with many, making him a beloved figure among fans. Pankaj’s authenticity and humility are reflected in his choice of roles, often portraying characters that are close to real life.
Pankaj Tripathi films box office collections
Pankaj Tripathi’s films have seen varied box office success. Stree (2018) grossed over ₹180 crores, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Newton (2017) earned critical acclaim and performed well at the box office, grossing around ₹22 crores. Ludo (2020) and Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020), released on OTT platforms, received positive reviews and wide viewership, contributing to his rising popularity.
His role in 83 (2021), although part of an ensemble cast, added to the film’s collection, which grossed approximately ₹193 crores worldwide. Pankaj’s recent film OMG 2 (2023) has also performed well, adding to his streak of successful projects.
Conclusion
Pankaj Tripathi’s journey is a testament to his talent, hard work, and perseverance. From playing minor roles to becoming a leading man on OTT platforms and in Bollywood, he has carved a niche for himself in the industry. His relatable persona and dedication to his craft continue to endear him to audiences worldwide. As he continues to take on diverse roles and explore new ventures, Pankaj Tripathi’s star is only set to shine brighter.
