Breaking into the entertainment industry is a challenge for countless aspiring actors. People from different backgrounds arrive in Mumbai with big dreams, but only a few manage to turn their ambitions into successful careers. The journey often demands years of struggle, financial compromises and even unexpected jobs to survive.
Pankaj Tripathi, who enjoys immense popularity as Kaleen Bhaiya in Mirzapur, also experienced such an unconventional journey before becoming a recognised face in Indian cinema.
Student Politics Didn’t Work Out!
During his recent appearance on Netflix’s The Great Indian Kapil Show, alongside Vikas Divyakirti and Zakir Khan, the actor revisited some interesting chapters from his early life.
The discussion began after an audience member expressed confusion about choosing a career. Kapil Sharma asked Pankaj whether he had faced a similar situation before entering films. His response revealed how drastically his plans had once changed.
Recalling his brief interest in student politics and subsequent hotel job, he said, “Even I wanted to be a student leader, but the police beat me so badly, that day I changed my mind because I realised getting beaten up is involved in it. I even worked at a hotel for 2 years, while peeling onions and potatoes, I realised my desitny is something else and not this.”
How OTT Opened Doors for Outsiders
The conversation also touched upon the growing influence of streaming platforms. When Navjot Singh Sidhu asked whether OTT had helped his career, Pankaj acknowledged the opportunities it created for actors without industry connections.
He said, “I agree that OTT helped outsiders make a name for themselves. We all belong to ordinary families, but in this democratic space we got opportunities and worked hard to earn our places. This possibility exists for every kid in India, and of course new mediums emerge, so new opportunities open up.”
Gangs of Wasseypur Changed His Career
A graduate of the National School of Drama, Pankaj completed his studies in 2004 before moving to Mumbai. He made his film debut with a small role in Run the same year. Subsequent appearances in Omkara, Apaharan and Agneepath gradually expanded his screen presence.
However, Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) proved to be a major turning point. His portrayal of Sultan Qureshi brought him wider recognition. He went on to feature in films such as Fukrey, Masaan, Bareilly Ki Barfi and Newton. His performance in the latter earned him a National Film Award Special Mention.
Mirzapur Made Him a Household Name
The actor’s popularity reached another level with Amazon Prime Video’s Mirzapur in 2018. His portrayal of Akhandanand Tripathi, better known as Kaleen Bhaiya, made him one of the most recognisable faces on Indian OTT. He also won appreciation for playing lawyer Madhav Mishra in Criminal Justice.
Pankaj Tripathi’s Next Release
Pankaj is now preparing for his next film, Parvarik ManuRanjan. Directed by Varun V Sharma, the project features Aditi Rao Hydari in the lead role, alongside Mukesh Tiwari, Vijayant Kohli, Karan Chanana and Bijendra Kala. The film is scheduled to premiere on SonyLIV on November 13.
