Pankaj Tripathi. Pic/Google
Pankaj Tripathi won the prestigious National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the Netflix film, Mimi. The actor is currently in his hometown, Gopalganj in Bihar, as his father Pandit Banaras Tiwari passed away on August 21. In an official statement issued by Pankaj through his spokesperson, the actor dedicated the honour to his late father.
Pankaj said in the statement, "This is unfortunately a period of loss and grieving for me. If Babuji was around, he would have been really happy for me. When I first got the National Award mention, he was very proud and pleased. This National Award I dedicate to him and his spirit. I'm who I am today because of him. I'm at a loss of words due to this time but I'm happy and grateful to the team. Kriti also has won the Best Actress, so a huge congratulations to her."
In Mimi, Pankaj played the role of a taxi driver and Kriti Sanon's friend named Bhanu Pratap Pandey. Directed by Laxman Utekar, the film also starred Sai Tamhankar. It released on Netflix on July 26, 2021. Kriti won the Best Actress award for Mimi and she shared it with Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi.
Kriti congratulated Pankaj on the win. She shared a picture from the set of Mimi and wrote, "Congratulations to my favvvvv Pankaj Tripathi sir. Your father would be so so proud.. (sic)."
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Taking a beating before this heart beats?
Pankaj lost his father, Pandit Banaras Tiwari, on August 21. He was 99 years old and residing in Bihar. In an official statement, his team said, "It's with a heavy heart to confirm that Pankaj Tripathi's father, Pandit Banaras Tiwari is no more. He lived a wholesome life of 99 years. His last rites will be performed today (August 21) amongst his close family. Pankaj Tripathi is currently on his way to his village in Gopalganj."
The actor was in the middle of a film's shoot in Uttarakhand when he learnt about his father's demise. He immediately left for Bihar. Pankaj's parents lived in their village in Belsand, while he stays in Mumbai with his wife Mridula and his daughter.
