Lailaaj: Pankaj Tripathi Feels ‘Nostalgic’ As He Returns To Theatre After 12 Years

Pankaj Tripathi is an actor of unmatched prowess, but his remarkable journey began in the world of theatre. Over the years, his flourishing film career took him away from the stage. Now, after a gap of 12 long years, the actor is all set to return to theatre.

Pankaj will be seen playing a cameo in Lailaaj, a musical comedy produced by him and his wife Mridula Tripathi. The play also features their daughter Aashi, making the occasion even more special. While Aashi made her stage debut last year, this will mark the first time she shares the stage with her father. The play is scheduled to be staged on February 8 at Rangsharda auditorium, Mumbai.

Pankaj Tripathi Is Nostalgic About Returning To The Stage After 12 Long Years

In a heartfelt and detailed

note, Pankaj shared that theatre is where his journey as an actor truly began, and returning to the stage after 12 years feels both “nostalgic and grounding” for him. He added that while cinema has given him immense love and recognition over the years, theatre holds a different kind of intimacy. According to the actor, the stage humbles you, constantly challenges you, and keeps you honest as a performer.

Why Is Lailaaj Special?

For Pankaj, Lailaaj is especially close to his heart as it comes from a space rooted in “family, friendship and a shared love for storytelling”. He shared that producing the play alongside his wife Mridula has been a true “labour of love”, and the entire process has reminded them of the dreams they first began with.

Reflecting on performing with his daughter, the Mirzapur actor said that watching Aashi step onto the stage has been one of the most “emotional experiences” of his life. He explained that theatre “teaches discipline, patience and respect” for the craft, and he could not have asked for a better platform for her to begin her journey. Pankaj added that sharing the stage with his daughter is not about a father guiding his child, but about two actors learning and growing together at the very moment. Pankaj concluded, “Lailaaj carries laughter, music, and warmth, but it also carries our personal truth and joy.”