The Indian Film Industry has many stars, many of whom untouchable and recluse. However, few manage to achieve the praise and adulation of the audience the way Pankaj Tripathi has. The actor who is celebrating his 44th birthday today has time and again floored the audience with his amazing performances, wit, and simplicity. His charm is as infectious onscreen as it is offscreen making him a favorite for Millenials as well as adults.
Over the years, Pankaj Tripathi has worked in 40 films and 60 television shows. From gritty intense roles to bone tickling hilarious ones, Pankaj Tripathi has always managed to trump it all with his smashing performances. On his birthday we take a look at 5 of his most endearing films that are still unmatched.
Stree
Stree which became a massive box office success was one of the biggest highlights of 2018. Pankaj Tripathi as Rudra Bhaiya, the town librarian cum paranologist was a hoot to watch onscreen. His hilarious dialogue delivery and droll ways instantly lit up the screen. The actor even went on to give a personal touch to the film.
Did you know that the joke about how Stree knows the name of all her targets – ‘sab ka Aadhaar link hai uske pass – was not a part of the original script but improvised by him?
Newton
Pankaj Tripathi is an actor par excellence and he has proved that time and again with his massive range of performances over the years. The actor brings so much life and conviction to his roles that it becomes impossible to differentiate the reel from the real. One such character is in Newton’s Atma Singh. He is sharp, cynical, and cunning; a complete paradox to Rajkummar Rao’s Nutan. His character drives hard factual points that are impossible not to root for. Few minutes into the film and you can already relate more to Atma Singh than Nutan, and that’s the beauty of Pankaj Tripathi.
Gurgaon
One of the most underrated dark thriller gems of Bollywood, Pankaj Tripathi’s Gurgaon is a treat. The film rightfully set the stage for his highly praised character Kaleen Bhaiya in Mirzapur. A gripping tale of bloodshed, secret and dark mysteries, Pankaj Tripathi’s nuance made it one of the most gripping Indian noir dramas in modern times.
Bareily ki Barfi
Pankaj Tripathi played an endearing true feminist father in Ashwini Iyer Tiwari’s Bareilly ki Barfi. His undiluted sweetness and overpowering love was a joy to watch on the big screen. A supporting father through and through, he managed to steal the thunder of the lead cast every time he appeared. Hijacking the toilet in one scene and sharing cigarettes with his daughter in another, Pankaj switched effortlessly between the dad we all know and the dad we have always wanted. The film is the most delicious, joyous ride and one where we would definitely give Pankaj Tripathi the best dad award.
Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl
In his career playing a mafia don to a snooping uncle, its the role of a father that Pankaj brings the most warmth to. His character as Anup Saxena in the Kargil Girl is endearing to the point that you began feeling envious. He is soothing, reassuring, and centered; ready to power through the world for his little girl to achieve her dream. Whether you liked the film or not, one thing that everyone agreed on is the affirming, stillness, and calm Pankaj brought on the film.
Happy Birthday, Pankaj Tripathi!
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