Actor Pankaj Tripathi is set to return to the theatre stage after a gap of around 12 years, calling the experience “nostalgic and grounding.” He will appear in a cameo role in the musical comedy Lailaaj (also listed as La-Ilaaj)—his first live stage performance in over a decade.
A Family Production Under Roopkatha Rangmanch
The play is mounted under Tripathi’s home banner Roopkatha Rangmanch, with Mridula Tripathi producing and Pankaj Tripathi co-producing. The project is being positioned as a family-led creative effort, adding an intimate, personal layer to the production’s rollout.
“A Homecoming”: Why Theatre Still Matters to Tripathi
Tripathi has described his return as more than a professional choice—calling it a homecoming to the craft that shaped him before cinema and streaming recognition. He has underlined how theatre’s immediacy keeps performers “honest,” offering a different kind of intimacy than screen work.
Father–Daughter Moment: Sharing the Stage With Aashi
One of the most talked-about aspects of Lailaaj is that it features Tripathi’s daughter Aashi. Reports note she made her stage debut last year, and this marks the first time she will perform alongside her father, a milestone Tripathi has described as deeply emotional.
Show Details: Writer-Director, Venue and Opening Date
Lailaaj is written and directed by theatre practitioner Faiz Mohammed Khan and is scheduled to open on February 8 at Rangsharda, Mumbai, blending humour, music and emotional storytelling in a live format.
Why This Return Feels Bigger Than a Cameo
Tripathi’s return reflects a wider trend of established screen actors reconnecting with stage work—bringing fresh attention to theatre while reaffirming that live performance remains a core training ground for actors.
—By Sonali