19 October 2023, Mumbai: Pankaj Tripathi stood at the pinnacle of happiness, intertwined with emotions, as he accepted his second National Award for Best Supporting Actor, this time for his exceptional performance in the movie “Mimi.” The actor, accompanied by his beloved wife Mridula Tripathi and their daughter Aashi Tripathi, basked in this defining moment at the prestigious Vigyan Bhawan awards ceremony. For Tripathi, this was more than just an award; it was a moment that would forever occupy a special place in his heart.
Pankaj Tripathi’s Cherished Family Moment at the Award Ceremony
Tripathi shared a heartwarming story of his family’s involvement in the award ceremony. His daughter, who had missed the opportunity when he won his first National Award for “Newton” in 2017, was now able to attend due to her school’s closure. With his wife’s enthusiasm palpable, she enthusiastically captured the precious moments with photographs and videos during the award presentation. Despite his limited social media presence, Tripathi’s wife even posted these glimpses online, teasing him about not having liked the posts. The ceremony and the subsequent celebrations kept him occupied for hours, a stark contrast to the grief he was experiencing due to his father’s recent passing during the national awards’ announcement.
The Humility and Success of Award Winners
At the National Award ceremony, Tripathi had the opportunity to interact with fellow winners, including notable figures such as Kriti Sanon, Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Allu Arjun. Their conversations reflected a shared sentiment of happiness for his win. Tripathi fondly remembered Ranbir Kapoor’s inquisitiveness about the nuances of the industry, acknowledging his own prior appearances at the awards. The warmth and admiration he received from his peers resonated deeply, emphasizing that his success transcended mere recognition for his roles or acting prowess. It was also a testament to the way he had connected with his audience, a connection borne out of his sincere dedication to his craft and life.
The Unique Significance of a National Award
Despite having received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, Tripathi attested to the unique and unparalleled importance of the National Awards. These awards, distinct in their nature, lack the commercial affiliations often seen in other award ceremonies. The government is the sole presenter, imbuing these awards with a sense of authenticity and prestige that sets them apart. He confessed that unlike other awards, national awards evoke genuine emotions, primarily because the winners, like himself, were inspired by the very actors who were previously recognized in this manner. He hoped that the recognition of a film like “Mimi” with a National Award would encourage more filmmakers to invest in telling important stories that resonate with audiences.
A Meaningful Visit and Reflection on His Journey
Before departing for Mumbai, the 48-year-old actor took a brief yet meaningful visit to his guruji at the Harijan Sevak Sangh, Gandhi Ashram. As he spoke to us immediately after connecting with his fans at the Ashram, Tripathi reflected on his 19-year journey in Mumbai, which began in 2004. He passionately shared his admiration for his teachers from the National School of Drama (NSD) and how their guidance, along with the books he had read and the people he had met, had significantly shaped his personality. Tripathi’s interaction with his teachers and mentors underscored the belief that upbringing and influential figures play a pivotal role in one’s development. His journey had been enriched by the people he had met along the way, contributing to the person he had become today.
By Yashika Desai