- By Sukanya Saha
- Tue, 05 Sep 2023 07:30 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Pankaj Tripathi Birthday Special: Pankaj Tripathi's journey in Bollywood has been a slow and steady one. Initially, he started with small cameo roles in films like 'Run,' where he appeared alongside Vijay Raaz. However, his career gained significant momentum with the rise of web series and online streaming platforms. Over the years, this veteran actor has featured in numerous series and films on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, and Zee5, portraying a wide range of characters.
Born on September 5, 1976, in the small village of Belsand in Bihar, Tripathi encountered numerous obstacles on his path to becoming one of Hindi Cinema's most celebrated actors. His journey from a humble town in Bihar to stardom in the film industry serves as a source of inspiration for countless aspiring actors. His success story underscores the significance of talent, determination, and persistence in realising one's aspirations, regardless of their origins. As the actor is celebrating his 46th birthday today, we compiled a list of his top movies and shows that are available on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Zee5, and Disney+ Hotstar.
Mirzapur – Amazon Prime Video
The gangster drama owes much of its success to Pankaj Tripathi's exceptional portrayal of the character Kaalin Bhaiya. The series has resonated strongly with audiences, primarily due to its gritty dialogues and the intricate twists and turns in its compelling storyline. The first season concluded with a gripping cliffhanger, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next season.
Sacred Games – Netflix
While some may argue that the second season of the acclaimed Netflix series 'Sacred Games' didn't live up to expectations, it's hard to deny the brilliance of Pankaj Tripathi's performance. Tripathi, in his role as Guruji, plays a pivotal role in the storyline of the second season. Sartaj (Saif Ali Khan) seeks solace at Guruji's ashram when he realises that his father's connection with Gaitonde can only be understood through Guruji.
Criminal Justice – Disney+ Hotstar
Sex, substance abuse, and a brutal murder are at the core of this crime drama, which is reportedly inspired by a British series of the same name. Pankaj Tripathi appears to have found his niche in the crime drama genre, delivering another compelling performance in this series. Alongside him, Vikrant Massey, Jackie Shroff, Anupriya Goenka, and Mita Vashisht also feature in 'Criminal Justice.' The plot revolves around a cab driver's worst nightmare, who unknowingly picks up a passenger later found dead. The episodes are filled with suspense, so ensure you have the time for an extended binge-watching session.
Stree – Netflix
'Stree' is a captivating horror-comedy that tells the story of a ghost named 'Stree' who kidnaps men at night. The main characters, portrayed by Rajkummar Rao, Aparshakti Khurana, Shraddha Kapoor, and Abhishek Banerjee, eventually manage to defeat her. However, Pankaj Tripathi did a commendable job of playing a supporting character. He plays the wise man in the village who guides them to their victory.
Gangs of Wasseypur – Amazon Prime Video
'Gangs of Wasseypur,' directed by Anurag Kashyap, is one of the most beloved crime and action films in Bollywood. It played a pivotal role in establishing Pankaj Tripathi as a fitting choice for crime drama movies, and his career has continued to flourish since then. This film, one of his early projects, is a must-watch and has rightfully earned a place on the IMDb top 250 movies list.
Masaan – Netflix
'Masaan,' directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Vicky Kaushal, Sanjay Mishra, Richa Chadda, Vineet Kumar, and Shweta Tripathi in significant roles, is a remarkable cinematic exploration of love and loss. While Pankaj Tripathi's role in the film is not extensive, it still played a part in his outstanding acting career. The film's narrative beautifully weaves together a love story and a tragedy, portraying how two young lovers cope with the loss of their significant others due to circumstances beyond their control.