Actor Pankaj Tripathi, widely recognized for his roles in films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Bareilly Ki Barfi, and Mirzapur, has been appointed as the Festival Ambassador for the Arunachal Rang Mahotsav 2024. This international theatre festival, one of the largest of its kind in Northeast India, will run from Friday until December 5. It celebrates the rich cultural heritage and creative talents of Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripathi’s participation is seen as an important step in promoting theatre in the state.
Pankaj Tripathi’s special Connection to Theatre
For Pankaj Tripathi, this role is a personal honor. The actor shared that theatre holds a very special place in his heart as it was the foundation of his career. Born in the village of Belsand in Gopalganj, Bihar, Tripathi’s first experience in the performing arts came from street plays and local stage performances. He credits these early days with shaping his passion for storytelling and acting.
In a statement, Tripathi expressed his gratitude and excitement for being part of Arunachal Rang Mahotsav. “Theatre was my first teacher. It was my first love in the world of performing arts,” he said. “I owe everything I am today to the lessons I learned on stage.” His time at the National School of Drama further strengthened his commitment to the craft, and now, as a well-established actor, he is excited to return to his roots by supporting such an important cultural event.
Celebrating Traditional Arts and Modern Theatre
The Arunachal Rang Mahotsav is not just a celebration of modern theatre, but also a platform that highlights traditional and regional performing arts. One of the unique aspects of this festival is its focus on Arunachal Pradesh’s rich oral folklore traditions, martial art forms, and other local art practices. These elements play an essential role in the state’s cultural fabric and have been woven into the performances showcased during the festival.
Pankaj Tripathi is particularly excited about how the festival blends these traditional forms with contemporary theatre. He believes this fusion of old and new makes the event a transformative experience for both performers and audiences. By celebrating the beauty and power of theatre in this way, the festival provides a space for artists from across the globe to connect, share, and collaborate.
The Power of Theatre to Connect People
Tripathi also emphasized the power of theatre to bring people together. He believes that the art form has the unique ability to transcend barriers—be it language, culture, or geography—and create a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. The actor is eager to witness the performances at Arunachal Rang Mahotsav 2024 and hopes that the festival will inspire more people to explore the world of theatre and the arts.
A Family Affair
Pankaj Tripathi, who is attending the festival with his wife, Mridula, shared that it is an exciting opportunity not just for him professionally but also personally. The festival provides a space for the actor to reconnect with his roots while supporting the next generation of theatre practitioners in Arunachal Pradesh.
With its focus on both traditional and contemporary art forms, Arunachal Rang Mahotsav 2024 promises to be an enriching experience for everyone involved. Pankaj Tripathi’s involvement as Festival Ambassador brings attention to the importance of theatre and arts in shaping cultural identity and connecting communities worldwide.
