Pankaj Tripathi dedicates National Award to late father: ‘I’m who I’m today because of him’

Pankaj Tripathi has won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film Mimi.

• By: Entertainment Desk
• New Delhi | August 24, 2023 07:27 PM IST

2 min read

Pankaj Tripathi has won a National Film Award for his role in Mimi. (Photo: Instagram/pankajtripathi)

Pankaj Tripathi has won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film Mimi. However, the actor is grieving the loss of his father, who passed away on August 21. In a statement issued by Tripathi, he said that the National Film Award is dedicated to his late father Pandit Benaras Tripathi.

The actor’s statment read, “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’m today because of him. I’m in 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.”

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In Mimi, Pankaj Tripathi played the role of Bhanu Pratap Pandey, a taxi driver and friend of Kriti Sanon’s titular character.

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Pankaj Tripathi with his father. (Photo: PR Handout)

Upon the demise of his father, Tripathi’s team had shared a statement that read, “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 amongst his close family. Pankaj Tripathi is currently on his way to his village in Gopalganj.”

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Kriti Sanon, meanwhile, has won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Mimi. Sanon shares the Best Actress award with Alia Bhatt, who bagged the honour for her role in Gangubai Kathiawadi.