Pankaj Tripathi’s rise is a modern day story of grit and craft. He grew up in rural Bihar and moved to Delhi and then Mumbai to pursue acting
After years in theatre and small roles, a few striking performances made him a go to actor for directors who needed depth and subtlety.
Tripathi does not play the same part twice. He invests in roles with a calm economy. That style made him a favourite on both the big screen and streaming platforms.
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Table of Contents
Pankaj Tripathi’s Early life and Background
Pankaj Tripathi was born in a village in Bihar. His family came from a modest background. As a boy he worked on the family land. He liked theatre and acting from an early age.
Education and theatre drew him to Delhi where he trained formally in acting. He graduated from the National School of Drama. That training shaped his craft and gave him discipline for stage work and later film work.
After NSD Tripathi did theatre and small jobs to support himself. He has often spoken about doing odd jobs and sleeping in cheap lodgings while he worked in theatre. Those years taught him to be patient and to value every role.1
Early Career
Tripathi’s first film appearances were small. He appeared in parts in mainstream films long before he became well known. Movies like Omkara and Agneepath included him in supporting or background roles.
At the same time he continued to act on stage and on television. Those parts did not make him famous but they built his range.
Directors noticed his presence. He was reliable and versatile. That led to more substantial supporting parts that showed his honesty on camera. He did not rush to headline films. He made each supporting role count.
Breakthrough Moment: Gangs of Wasseypur and beyond
Pankaj Tripathi’s visibility rose sharply after Gangs of Wasseypur (2012). His role as Sultan Qureshi stood out because he made the character feel lived in.
After that film directors offered him more layered parts. The film remains a key early step in his career.2
From that point onward Tripathi moved into a string of strong performances in films like Masaan and Nil Battey Sannata. He began to be known not just as a supporting actor but as a performer who could carry emotional weight.
Signature Roles: Film and Streaming that defined him
Pankaj Tripathi built a remarkable catalogue of characters across genres.
Some of the roles that defined his public image are:
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Kaleen Bhaiya in Mirzapur (Prime Video). The mafia don with a lazy menace. The series gave Tripathi a pan-India fan base.
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Madhav Mishra in Criminal Justice (Hotstar/Disney+). Tripathi brought empathy and moral complexity to the lawyer role.3
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Roles in movies such as Newton (a social satire), Mimi (supporting), Stree (comedy horror) and OMG 2 (social satire). Each role showed different registers.
These choices proved his range. He handled comedy, satire, drama and crime with the same grounded approach.
Directors liked that he could be intense and gentle in the same scene.
Acting style and craft
Tripathi’s style feels simple because he strips performance of excess. He listens on screen. He uses silence as much as lines. That minimalism reads as natural.
He credits reading, theatre discipline and life experience for shaping his approach. He has said that he chooses roles that speak to him rather than roles that promise quick fame.
He is trained in theatre. That training gives him a subtle control. Critics note his ear for rhythm and the small gestures that make a part memorable. Audiences notice him because he makes ordinary behaviour feel important.
स्वतंत्रता दिवस की शुभकामनाएं! 🇮🇳 हम सभी को ।
— पंकज त्रिपाठी (@TripathiiPankaj) August 15, 2025
Notable Films and Series
Below is a short, selective list of major and widely watched work. This is not exhaustive but covers high-impact titles.
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Gangs of Wasseypur (2012).
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Masaan (2015).
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Newton (2017) — national and international acclaim.
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Mirzapur (Web series) — made him a mass favourite.
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Criminal Justice (Web series).
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Mimi (2021) — award winning supporting role.
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Stree and Stree 2 — commercial hit and sequel.
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OMG 2 — social satire. 4
Recent and upcoming projects as reported include entries such as Metro… In Dino, Mirzapur Season 3 and others depending on release schedules and announcements. Always check verified sources for the latest release dates.
Pankaj Tripathi’s Awards and Recognition
Pankaj Tripathi has won important awards that recognize craft rather than just star power. Key honours include:
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A Special Mention at the National Film Awards for his work in Newton.
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Best Supporting Actor (National Film Award) for Mimi in the year it won.
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Multiple Filmfare, IIFA and other industry nominations and wins across years.
These awards confirm what audiences and critics already felt. Tripathi combines craft and choices that often land in both popular and critical acclaim.
Off-screen Life: Family, Values and Interests
Pankaj Tripathi keeps his family life private. He is married to Mridula Tripathi and the couple have a daughter, Aashi.
In recent years he has shared more about family choices and values, including the wish to give his daughter a rooted childhood. His wife has occasionally been seen in small film roles.
Tripathi also enjoys reading and travel. He often speaks about learning from trains and small-town India. He has taken roles that reflect social questions and that allow him to comment on society through work.
He has become a brand ambassador for Madhya Pradesh tourism and speaks about travel as a teacher for actors and citizens.
Fees and Net Worth
Estimates of an actor’s net worth vary by source. Some lifestyle and financial outlets estimate Pankaj Tripathi’s net worth in the range of several crores of rupees. Published estimates often list figures such as ₹40 crore or higher.
These numbers include fees, endorsements and property. Net worth estimates are not official and can vary widely.
Use them as a general guide rather than fact.5
Impact on modern Hindi cinema
Pankaj Tripathi is part of a wave of character actors who changed the balance between star vehicles and ensemble stories.
His presence made many mid budget films and series feel more anchored. His success helped make directors and producers more willing to back content-led projects where performance and story matter more than star billing.
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Full stats table
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name at birth | Pankaj Tiwari / Pankaj Tripathi. |
| Date of birth | 5 September 1976. |
| Birthplace | Belsand, near Gopalganj, Bihar. |
| Education | National School of Drama, New Delhi. |
| Height | Approx. 1.78 m (5′10″) from public profiles. |
| Family | Married to Mridula Tripathi. Daughter Aashi. |
| Major awards | 2 National Film Awards, multiple Filmfare/IIFA/screen awards. |
| Career start | Early 2000s with theatre and small film roles. |
| Notable characters | Kaleen Bhaiya, Madhav Mishra, roles in Newton, Mimi, Masaan. |
| Net worth (est.) | Reported estimates vary, often quoted around ₹40 crore or more. Not official. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was Pankaj Tripathi born?
A: He was born on 5 September 1976.
Q: Where is Pankaj Tripathi from?
A: He is from Belsand near Gopalganj in Bihar, India.
Q: Did he attend a formal acting school?
A: Yes. He studied at the National School of Drama in New Delhi.
Q: Which role made him famous?
A: His part in Gangs of Wasseypur raised his visibility. Later roles in Mirzapur and Newton cemented his position.
Q: How many National Awards has he won?
A: He has received two recognitions from the National Film Awards including a Special Mention for Newton and Best Supporting Actor for Mimi.6
Q: Is he active in web series as well?
A: Yes. He is a major presence on OTT platforms with series such as Mirzapur and Criminal Justice.
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