Mumbai: Renowned Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi made a heartfelt return to the theatre after 12 years, sharing the stage with his daughter Ashi Tripathi, calling the experience one of the most memorable moments of his life.
According to Indian media reports, Tripathi will appear in a short role in the musical comedy-drama ‘Lilaaj’, marking his theatre comeback.
The play is produced by Pankaj Tripathi and his wife Mridula, and also features their daughter Ashi, who is making her professional stage debut.
Tripathi described the play as a homecoming, taking him back to the roots of his theatre journey. He said, “Cinema has given me immense love and recognition, but the intimacy of theatre is something else—it humbles you, challenges you, and keeps you honest as an artist.”
He added that ‘Lilaaj’ is close to his heart because it is a project born out of family, friendship, and a shared love for storytelling. Producing the play with his wife has been a heartwarming experience, reminding them why they began dreaming in the first place.
Speaking about performing alongside his daughter, Tripathi said, “Seeing Ashi step onto the stage was one of the most emotional moments of my life. Sharing the stage with her isn’t just a father guiding his daughter—it’s two actors learning and growing together in that moment.”
‘Lilaaj’, written and directed by renowned theatre artist Faiz Mohammad Khan, is scheduled to be staged on February 8, 2026, at Rang Sharda, Mumbai.