Pankaj Tripathi`s lesser known facts

Farming background

Pankaj Tripathi worked alongside his father in the fields as a farmer in Belsand, Bihar, until he reached the 11th standard.

A professional hotel cook

Pankaj Tripathi worked as a professional hotel cook for two years before pursuing a full-time career in acting.

Playing a girl in village plays

During local festive seasons, Pankaj Tripathi used to play the role of female characters in village theatre productions (nataks).

An encounter with Manoj Bajpayee

While working as a chef at the Maurya Hotel in Patna, Pankaj once kept Manoj Bajpayee’s forgotten slipper as a souvenir after Bajpayee stayed at the hotel.

Eight-hour audition

Pankaj Tripathi`s audition for his breakout role as Sultan Qureshi in Gangs of Wasseypur lasted for close to eight hours.

Pankaj Tripathi`s wife`s support

During his years of struggling in Mumbai, Pankaj`s wife Mridula secured a school job to financially support the family while he pursued acting.

His first screen appearances

His earliest commercial work included playing a politician in a Tata Tea advertisement, followed by an uncredited appearance in the 2004 film Run.