Pankaj Tripathi and wife Mridula's production house supports daughter's stage debut

(L-R) Aashi and Pankaj Tripathi

Long before cinema embraced him, Pankaj Tripathi's journey began on the stage. Now, having made his mark on the silver screen, he is ready to begin a new chapter, one that is taking him back to his theatre roots. Pankaj and his wife Mridula Tripathi have launched their banner Roopkatha Rangmanch, which will produce plays. Their first production, Lailaaj, will also mark the stage debut of their daughter Aashi Tripathi.

Pankaj views Roopkatha Rangmanch as an emotional extension of their roots. "My journey as an actor began on the stage, in the simplicity of backstage chaos, borrowed costumes, and the magic of performing for a live audience. Theatre has taught me sincerity, patience, emotions, and discipline. Whatever I am today, I owe a large part of it to those early years under the spotlight. When Mridula and I decided to start our banner, I felt a strong desire that our first production must honour the medium that shaped me," he says. Mridula adds, "Roopkatha Rangmanch was born out of a shared dream to promote stories that touch the heart."

For their maiden production, the duo chose director and writer Faiz Mohammed Khan's Lailaaj, a story that blends humour, music, and drama. To see his daughter Aashi follow in his footsteps is an emotional moment for Pankaj. He shares, "Watching her rehearse, struggle, improve, and shine reminds me of my early days. Aashi's debut is not just a moment for our family; it's a reminder that every artiste must fall in love with the process, and theatre is the purest place for that love to grow."