Is Pankaj Tripathi Bringing Hindi Cinema Back to Bihar?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pankaj Tripathi returns to Bihar for a film after 20 years.
- Filming in Bihar is a rare occurrence in Hindi cinema.
- The project is directed by Amit Rai.
- The film aims to highlight the cultural richness of Bihar.
- Tripathi expresses a strong emotional connection to his roots.
Mumbai, May 13 (NationPress) Renowned actor Pankaj Tripathi expressed that life has come full circle for him, as he is currently filming a social human drama in his home state for the first time in over twenty years of his career in Hindi cinema. He emphasized that Hindi films are seldom shot in Bihar, adding to the significance of this experience.
Pankaj remarked: "It’s challenging to articulate the depth of this moment for me. I embarked on my journey as a performer on the dusty streets of a quaint village in Bihar, engaging in theatre and ‘nukkad nataks’, never envisaging that I would one day return to these very lanes with a film crew.”
“After over twenty years in Hindi cinema, this is my first film shoot in my native state, and it feels like life has come full circle. Hindi films are rarely produced in Bihar—the last I recall was Manoj Bajpayee’s ‘Shool’ back in 2003—making this experience incredibly special and long-awaited.”
The forthcoming film, directed by Amit Rai of OMG 2 fame, features two storytellers who share roots in Bihar. Supported by the Bihar Film Niga, the film boasts a robust ensemble cast, including Pawan Malhotra, Rajesh Kumar, and numerous talented actors from the Bihar film scene. The production schedule spans 35 days, with filming taking place at authentic locations across Bihar.
Pankaj continued: "There’s a unique kind of magic in crafting a narrative that’s deeply embedded in your homeland. I feel a heightened sense of responsibility and a stronger emotional bond with every scene, every location, and every face I encounter here.”
“Working once again with Amit Rai, who also hails from Bihar, makes this project even more intimate. We both grasp the subtleties, the dialect, and the spirit of the region—and I trust that will be evident on screen.”
The esteemed star indicated that the upcoming film serves as a tribute.
“This project transcends being just another film; it’s a sincere homage to the place that shaped my identity.”