The acclaimed actor returns to his “second home” alongside wife Mridula, soaking in the cultural heritage, family traditions, and vibrant festive spirit of Bengal.

Actor Pankaj Tripathi celebrated Durgashtami and Dussehra this year with his family in Kolkata, marking the festive occasion in the historic city after a considerably long time. Known for his deep emotional connection with Kolkata, the actor’s bond with the city goes beyond its vibrant culture and celebrated Durga Puja festivities. Kolkata is his wife Mridula Tripathi’s maternal home, making the city an integral part of their family life and personal journey.

Over the years, Pankaj has made regular visits to Kolkata with his wife to spend time with his in-laws and reconnect with the city’s unique charm, traditions, and warmth. His frequent visits and enduring affection for the city have earned him the affectionate tag of Kolkata’s ‘son-in-law’. This festive season, Pankaj chose to embrace the spirit of Navratri and Dussehra in Kolkata, celebrating the auspicious occasion of Durgashtami with his loved ones.

For Pankaj, the festive season is not merely about rituals and celebrations; it is also about family, belonging, and preserving the cultural connections that have become an important part of his life. The grandeur of Durga Puja, the devotion surrounding Maa Durga, and the infectious festive spirit that takes over Kolkata every year hold a special place in his heart. Celebrating the occasion in the city this year made it even more meaningful, allowing him to experience its traditions and festivities while creating new memories with his family.

Speaking about his love for Kolkata and the significance of celebrating the festival in the city, Pankaj Tripathi shared, “Kolkata has always held a very special place in my heart. My relationship with this city began through Mridula and her family, but over the years, Kolkata has become so much more than just my in-laws’ city. It has become a place where I feel a deep sense of belonging, where I have built beautiful memories, and where I always look forward to returning. People affectionately call me Kolkata’s son-in-law, and I feel genuinely fortunate to have received so much love from this city. There is something truly magical about Kolkata, especially during Durga Puja. The devotion, the energy, the beautiful pandals, the traditions, and the way people come together to celebrate Maa Durga are extraordinary. You can feel the city’s soul during this time. I have always admired Bengal’s culture and its rich traditions, and being here for Durgashtami with my family makes the occasion even more special. This year is particularly memorable because, as a family, we are celebrating Dussehra after a very long time in Kolkata. Festivals are also a time to slow down, spend quality time with your loved ones, and reconnect with the things that truly matter in life. Amidst our professional commitments and busy schedules, these moments with family become invaluable. I am happy that we could be in Kolkata this year, celebrate Durgashtami and Dussehra together, and experience the warmth and beauty of this incredible city once again.”

As the festive celebrations draw to a close, Pankaj Tripathi’s visit reflects his enduring appreciation for the cultural traditions and family ties that connect him to Kolkata. With cherished memories of celebrating Durga Puja with his loved ones, the actor continues to strengthen his special relationship with a place that has become an important part of his personal world. For the actor, Kolkata is no longer just a city he visits to meet family; it is a homecoming that brings together affection, tradition, and a deep-rooted sense of belonging.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Pankaj Tripathi Celebrates Durgashtami and Dussehra With Family in Kolkata, Embraces His Deep-Rooted Bond With the City! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

The wait for Mirzapur fans is almost over, as Excel Entertainment has officially kicked off the final countdown for Mirzapur: The Movie, sharing an intense new poster to mark just 10 days remaining until its theatrical release. The freshly dropped poster brings back the beloved and fiercely popular cast, including Pankaj Tripathi as the formidable Kaleen Bhaiya, Ali Fazal as Guddu Pandit, Divyenndu as Munna Bhaiya, and Jitendra Kumar, among other key characters, promising a larger-than-life cinematic experience packed with high-stakes action and drama.

Taking to social media to share the countdown poster, Excel Entertainment captioned, “भौकाल का नया ठिकाना: थिएटर। बड़े पर्दे पर ‘मिर्ज़ापुर द मूवी’ आने में बस 10 दिन बाकी! #MirzapurTheMovie, 4 सितंबर को सिर्फ़ हिंदी और तेलुगु में थिएटर में रिलीज़ हो रही है।” After impressing millions across multiple seasons on OTT, Mirzapur: The Movie marks a major milestone as the franchise expands from streaming screens to theaters.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Dcc41_AgpHa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsi=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

With the 10-day countdown officially underway, fan anticipation has reached an all-time high as audiences eagerly await the iconic bhaukaal of Mirzapur on the big screen.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Mirzapur: The Movie Count Down Begins as Excel Entertainment and Amazon MGM Studios Share ‘10 Days To Go’ Poster first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Theatre remains one of the most powerful training grounds for actors – teaching discipline, spontaneity, and emotional honesty. As we celebrate World Theatre Day, these journeys serve as a reminder that behind every powerful screen performance lies years of dedication, often rooted in the intimacy of the stage.

From backstage struggles to standing ovations, these actors prove that theatre is not just a stepping stone – it’s a lifelong foundation.

Here’s a look at some actors who trained professionally in theatre and carried that foundation into their screen careers:

#PankajTripathi: One of the finest actors of his generation, Pankaj Tripathi began his theatre journey in 1996 in Patna, balancing rehearsals with night shifts at a hotel kitchen. His passion led him to the prestigious National School of Drama, after which he moved to Mumbai in 2004. Years of perseverance and over 40 small roles later, he found his breakthrough with Gangs of Wasseypur.

#AliFazal: Before becoming a global face, Ali Fazal’s acting journey began on stage during his school days at The Doon School. A basketball injury led him to explore acting, where he performed roles like Trinculo in The Tempest. He later refined his craft in Mumbai and through theatre platforms like Thespo, building a strong foundation before transitioning to films and series.

#RichaChadha: Richa Chadha built her acting roots in professional theatre after starting out in modelling. She trained under renowned theatre director Barry John and performed in multiple plays across India. This rich stage experience laid the groundwork for her film debut in Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!.

#ShwetaTripathi: After studying fashion communication at National Institute of Fashion Technology, Shweta Tripathi found her calling in theatre. She joined a troupe in Mumbai and even founded her own company, ‘All My Tea Productions’. Before her breakthrough in Masaan, she worked behind the scenes and in television, steadily building her craft.

#LisaMishra: Known for her musical talents, Lisa Mishra also has roots in theatre. With experience in musical theatre, she recently returned to the stage after 15 years, post her screen debut with Call Me Bae. Her journey reflects a seamless blend of music, performance, and storytelling.

#AkshayOberoi: Akshay Oberoi’s acting journey began at Mumbai’s iconic Prithvi Theatre. Under the mentorship of theatre veteran Makrand Deshpande, he started backstage before performing in plays like Miss Beautiful. He further studied Theatre Arts at Johns Hopkins University and trained internationally, adding depth to his craft.

#AdarshGourav: Adarsh Gourav has a strong theatre background, with formal training at The Drama School Mumbai. He has performed with Raell Padamsee’s theatre company and appeared in productions like Lucrece at National Centre for the Performing Arts, showcasing his dedication to the stage.

#GulshanDevaiah: Before entering films, Gulshan Devaiah was an active part of Bengaluru’s English theatre circuit, working with groups like Forum Three. After a decade in the fashion industry, he transitioned to films and gained recognition with Shaitan.

#NimritKaurAhluwalia: Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia’s artistic journey began with theatre, where she trained for over 15 years, including at the Atelier School of Dramatic Arts. She later gained recognition after winning Femina Miss Manipur and starring in a popular Tv soap Choti Sarrdaarni.

By Keerti Kadam

The post World Theatre Day Special: Bollywood Actors who honed their craft on Stage before the Spotlight! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

#SharadKelkar – Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior – Sharad Kelkar delivered a widely acclaimed performance as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. His portrayal is often cited as one of the most powerful and authentic depictions of the Maratha king, reflecting his brilliant understanding of the character’s nature and his stronghold in in attaching grandiosity to the plot.

#VickyKaushal – Sanju – In Sanju, Vicky Kaushal served a breakthrough performance as Kamli, a loyal best of Sanjay Dutt, played by Ranbir Kapoor. The actor became widely known for his Gujarati-inflected catchphrases, comic timing and his loyalty towards his best friend.

#VijayVarma – Gully Boy – In Gully Boy, Vijay Varma stole the show as Ranveer Singh’s close friend, Moeen Arif, a street-smart hustler, who is morally ambigious but a deeply loyal, empathetic and committed friend to Murad. The actor, known for seamlessly slipping into varied roles, blurred the lines between Moeen Arif and Vijay Varma.

#PankajTripathi – Stree – Pankaj Tripathi won hearts as a paranologist Rudra Bhaiyya in Stree franchise. Celebrated for his versatility and impeccable comic timing, the actor struck a fine balance between horror and comedy with his spot-on expressions, dialect and iconic dialogues! The actor showed that a genuine actor truly leaves a mark with his screen presence, strong hold over their portrayal and the ability to wear the character with confidence.

#JaideepAhlawat – Raees – In Raees, Jaideep Ahlawat brought cold dread as Nawab, the right-hand man and assistant to a powerful crime boss. To the controlled body language to intensity in his dialogue delivery, Jaideep Ahlawat showed why he is one of the most gifted actors we have today.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Bollwood Actor’s Performances That Commanded Attention! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

The show is produced by Mridula and co-produced by Pankaj Tripathi, written and directed by acclaimed theatre practitioner Faiz Mohammed Khan, Lailaaj is scheduled to open on 8th February at Rangsharda, Mumbai. The play blends music, humour, and emotional storytelling, staying rooted in the rich traditions of Indian theatre while offering a contemporary sensibility. For Pankaj Tripathi, the project is not just a return to his theatrical roots but also a heartfelt homecoming.

Speaking about returning to the stage and sharing this experience with his daughter, Pankaj Tripathi shared in an emotional and detailed note, “Theatre is where my journey as an actor truly began, and returning to the stage after twelve years feels both nostalgic and deeply grounding. Cinema has given me so much love and recognition, but theatre has a different kind of intimacy – it humbles you, challenges you, and keeps you honest as a performer. Lailaaj is very close to my heart because it comes from a space of family, friendship, and love for storytelling. Producing this play under Roopkatha Rangmanch with my wife Mridula has been a labour of love, and bringing it to life has reminded us why we started dreaming in the first place.”

He further added about performing alongside his daughter Aashi, “Watching Aashi step onto the stage for the first time has been one of the most emotional experiences of my life. Theatre teaches you discipline, patience, and respect for the craft, and I couldn’t have asked for a better platform for her to begin her journey. Sharing the stage with her is not about being a father guiding his child, but about being two actors learning and growing together in the moment. Lailaaj carries laughter, music, and warmth, but it also carries our personal truth and joy, and I hope audiences feel that connection when they watch the play.”

With #Lailaaj, Pankaj Tripathi not only revisits his theatrical roots but also reinforces his commitment to nurturing meaningful storytelling through the stage. The play’s opening at Rangsharda is expected to draw theatre lovers and admirers alike, eager to witness the celebrated actor’s return to live performance and a rare, heartfelt collaboration between a father and daughter under the same spotlight.

By Keerti Kadam

The post After 12 years, Pankaj Tripathi returns to the theatre! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

The groundbreaking show has not only captivated millions of viewers but has also garnered critical acclaim, cementing its status as a must watch digital feature. Currently, “Perfect Family” holds an impressive rating of 9.2 on IMDB, positioning it as one of the highest rated series of the year across all platforms.

The swift reception and overwhelming viewer response validate the series’ innovative distribution strategy. As the first Indian narrative series to launch directly on the global video sharing platform, its success signals a significant shift in the digital content landscape.

Producer Ajay Rai expressed immense pride in the series’ performance “The 2 million plus views are truly humbling, but the 9.3 IMDB rating is what really proves the impact of our storytelling. We took a bold step by making Perfect Family the first series to launch directly on YouTube, believing in the power and reach of the platform to connect genuine content with a mass audience. This success is a massive victory not just for our team, but for the future of independent, high quality series production in India. The love we have received in such a short time is huge, and we are grateful to the audience for embracing this unique family.”

#PankajTripathi added, “I am deeply moved by the way audiences have embraced Perfect Family. When I decided to present this series, it came from a place of genuine admiration for the team and their belief in telling a story that feels honest, humorous, emotional and very rooted in our everyday lives. Watching it cross two million views and receiving such an exceptional IMDB rating reassures me that viewers are always ready for content that speaks to them with sincerity. The success of this experiment on YouTube gives all of us courage to keep exploring new formats and new platforms. I am grateful to every viewer who has given their time and love to this series because it has encouraged us to dream even bigger.”

“Perfect Family” explores the complex dynamics of modern relationships with nuanced performances and sharp writing, appealing widely to families and youth alike. The series continues to gain momentum and is redefining how original Indian content finds its audience globally.

By Keerti Kadam

The post 9.2 IMDB Rating and 2M+ Views for Pankaj Tripathi’s debut production ‘Perfect Family’! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

The photo has naturally sparked renewed curiosity about the upcoming film, which is currently in production.

Staying true to his easygoing and playful social media style, Ali wrote, “From the M team – 7 idhar, 120 udhar. Cinema gharon mein 120 Bahadur lagi hai, dekhiyega. Aur hum? Humara zara beyt keejiyega. Hum aapki taraf badh rahe hain. Coming Soon In Theatres.” His note encouraged viewers to head to cinemas for Farhan Akhtar’s 120 Bahadur, while giving a gentle nudge that Mirzapur: The Movie is also on its way to theatres.

A source associated with the film shared, “It was special to have the original cast together again for an important sequence. Ali wanted fans to get a glimpse of that moment, which is why he shared the picture. The team is putting in focused work, and the film will build meaningfully on the world Mirzapur has already created.”

With the core cast reunited and Jitendra Kumar joining the ensemble, the film continues to build steady anticipation as it moves toward completion.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Ali Fazal shares a fun behind-the-scenes moment from Mirzapur! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Written, directed, composed, and lyrically driven by Faiz Mohammed Khan, ‘Lailaaj’ promises a refreshing blend of humour, music, and heartwarming storytelling. The musical will be staged on the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd of this month at Rangshila Theatre in Mumbai, giving audiences an exciting new theatrical experience.

For Pankaj Tripathi, whose journey began on the stage long before cinema embraced him, this maiden production is deeply personal. Theatre, he says, is his “first love,” and returning to it as a producer feels like life coming full circle.

Speaking emotionally about this new beginning, Pankaj Tripathi shared, “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. Whatever I am today, I owe a large part of it to those early years under the spotlight and in the wings. When Mridula and I decided to start our own banner, I felt a strong desire that our first production must honour the medium that shaped me. ‘Lailaaj’ is our humble tribute to theatre, to the craft, and to every artist who finds their truth on stage.”

Pankaj further adds, “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. Watching her rehearse, struggle, improve, and shine reminds me of my own early days. Aashi’s debut in Lailaaj is not just a moment for our family, it is a reminder that every artist must fall in love with the process, and theatre is the purest place for that love to grow. I hope the audience showers the same warmth, curiosity, and encouragement on this play as they have always given me.”

Sharing her thoughts on stepping into production, Mridula Tripathi added, “Roopkatha Rangmanch was born out of a shared dream to preserve and promote stories that touch the heart. Theatre has always been close to our lives, and choosing a musical comedy like Lailaaj felt like the perfect beginning. This play represents joy, chaos, music, and human emotion in its simplest yet most beautiful form. As a mother, watching Aashi prepare for her debut has been a profoundly moving experience. And as a producer, I am thrilled to bring a project like this to the stage, a project that celebrates creativity, teamwork, and the timeless charm 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.”

With a talented team, an original musical format, and the emotional energy of a family legacy being carried forward, Roopkatha Rangmanch’s Lailaaj is poised to charm theatre lovers in Mumbai and beyond.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Pankaj Tripathi turns producer, daughter Aashi Tripathi to debut with ‘Lailaaj’! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that he personally shared this with Mr. Tripathi during a recent event, leaving the actor deeply touched and humbled by the gesture.

Reacting to the Chief Minister’s kind words, an emotional Pankaj Tripathi said, “It is truly an honour and a very humbling moment for me. When a leader of such stature, like Honourable Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ji, takes out time from his extremely busy schedule to watch my work, it feels surreal and deeply encouraging. Criminal Justice has been a very special project for me, and knowing that he watched all its seasons and that too in reverse order brought a big smile to my face.

Mr Tripathi further adds, “As an actor, you always hope that your work connects with people from different walks of life, and when someone as respected and committed to public service as Fadnavis ji appreciates your performance, it truly feels rewarding. I was both surprised and grateful when he mentioned it to me personally during an event. His words reminded me that art has the power to reach beyond boundaries and touch lives, regardless of who you are or what you do. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to him for his time, appreciation, and warmth.”

Criminal Justice, has been one of the most popular legal crime drama series in India, with Pankaj Tripathi’s portrayal of lawyer Madhav Mishra receiving widespread acclaim across all its seasons.

This heartfelt appreciation from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis adds yet another proud moment to Pankaj Tripathi’s illustrious journey reaffirming the universal appeal of his performances that continue to resonate with audiences across the nation.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Heartfelt appreciation from CM Devendra Fadnavis adds yet another proud moment to Pankaj Tripathi’s illustrious journey! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Barkha, who worked with Madhuri Dixit in the film Maja Ma, shared what she learned from her, saying, “The moment you step out of your vanity, all eyes are on you. So you need to conduct yourself in a certain way. So that’s something I learned from her. How you carry yourself, your posture, your nails, how you’re talking, what you’re doing when you’re not talking. So just how you overall your discipline and decorum on set and how you conduct yourself is something I learned from her.”

Barkha played Vikrant’s love interest in The Sabarmati Report, and her performance was praised by audiences and critics. Sharing the lessons she learned working with him, she revealed, “From Vikrant, I learned just simplicity in like as a person, but also simplicity in your scenes. Sometimes we overthink our scenes as an actor. But the way he performs is so honest and simple. So that is something I learned from him, you know, when I was doing the scenes with him, it really didn’t look like it really felt like a conversation, and that translated so beautifully on screen, like, you know, his acting, his performance.”

Barkha has been delivering back-to-back hits on OTT, with her recent web series Lafangey, where she played Ishita, a character that was hailed as relatable, and her performance was widely loved. She also joined the fourth season of the acclaimed show Criminal Justice, where she played a lawyer alongside Pankaj Tripathi. She played Shivani Mathur and became a highlight of the show. Fans are eagerly waiting to see what she brings to the table next.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Barkha Singh Reveals What She Learnt From Madhuri Dixit and Vikrant Massey! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.