Celebrated actor Pankaj Tripathi and his wife, Mridula Tripathi, have officially launched their theatre production banner, Roopkatha Rangmanch, marking a significant return to the medium that shaped his illustrious acting career. The couple’s maiden production, a musical comedy titled ‘Lailaaj’, represents not only a professional venture but also a deeply personal milestone for the family, as their daughter Aashi Tripathi will make her stage debut through this project.
A Homecoming to Theatre
For Pankaj Tripathi, whose journey in cinema began after years of dedicated theatre work, this production banner embodies an emotional reconnection with his artistic roots. The actor, who trained at the prestigious National School of Drama in Delhi and completed his studies in 2004, spent seven formative years doing theatre and street plays in Patna before transitioning to films. His early commitment to the craft, despite financial hardships, eventually led to his breakthrough role in ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ and subsequent recognition as a versatile performer across Hindi, Tamil, and other language cinema.
Speaking about the significance of Roopkatha Rangmanch, Pankaj emphasized theatre’s foundational role in his career: “Roopkatha Rangmanch is not just a production house for us, it is an emotional extension of our 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, emotion, and discipline.” He further added that whatever accomplishments he has achieved are largely owed to those early years working under the spotlight and in theatre’s wings, making ‘Lailaaj’ a humble tribute to the medium and every artist who finds their truth on stage.
Lailaaj: The Inaugural Production
‘Lailaaj’, a musical comedy written, directed, composed, and lyrically driven by Faiz Mohammed Khan, promises audiences “a refreshing blend of humour, music, and heartwarming storytelling.” The production represents joy, chaos, music, and human emotion in their simplest yet most beautiful form, according to the creators.
The play is scheduled to premiere at Rangshila Theatre in Mumbai on November 21, 22, and 23, 2025, offering theatre enthusiasts an exciting new production to experience. The theatrical presentation marks the beginning of what the couple plans to develop into a sustained series of productions under their banner.
A Special Family Moment
What makes this venture particularly touching is the involvement of the entire Tripathi family. Aashi Tripathi’s stage debut through ‘Lailaaj’ represents a significant moment not only for the performer but also for her parents navigating the producer’s role. Pankaj expressed the multifaceted emotions surrounding his daughter’s theatrical entry: “What makes this even more special is that our daughter, Aashi, is making her stage debut with this musical. As a father, I feel immense pride; as an actor, I feel a deep sense of responsibility; and as a producer, I feel the excitement of creating something meaningful.”
He reflected on watching his daughter prepare for her debut, noting how her journey through rehearsals: struggling, improving, and ultimately shining- mirrors his own early experiences. Pankaj hopes the audience will extend the same warmth and encouragement to Aashi as they have historically shown him throughout his career.
Mridula Tripathi’s Vision as Producer
Mridula Tripathi, who works as a business manager, brought her own perspective to the production. She explained that Roopkatha Rangmanch was born from a shared dream to preserve and promote stories that resonate emotionally. She highlighted the profound experience of watching her daughter prepare for her debut while simultaneously developing skills as a producer, viewing ‘Lailaaj’ as a project celebrating creativity, teamwork, and the timeless appeal of live performance.
“We believe ‘Lailaaj’ will resonate with audiences of all ages, and we are excited to present our first production to the world with so much love and sincerity,” Mridula stated.
Looking Forward
The launch of Roopkatha Rangmanch represents a significant moment in Indian entertainment, demonstrating how established figures in cinema continue to value and support traditional theatrical arts. With their inaugural production ready for audiences, Pankaj and Mridula Tripathi have set the foundation for what they intend to be a meaningful contribution to India’s vibrant theatre landscape, blending their professional expertise with their passion for the craft.
By – Sonali