Pankaj Tripathi - seems like the name is enough now! One after the other, giving blockbuster performances and being appreciated for the selection of scripts isn't easy but trust Tripathi Ji to make it look like a cakewalk. Famous for his natural acting, Pankaj debuted in 2004 with a minor role in Run and Omkara and has since worked in more than 40 films and 60 television shows. Tripathi's breakthrough came in 2012 for his supporting role in Gangs of Wasseypur. He has since received critical appraisal for multiple films, including Fukrey (2013), Masaan (2015), Nil Battey Sannata (2016), Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017), Newton (2017), Fukrey Returns (2017) and Stree (2018). For Newton, the actor also earned several awards including a National Film Award – Special Mention.

From being a mafia in Mirzapur to being a devoted Guruji in Sacred Games 2, Pankaj has changed his own game with the choices he has made in the recent past. Today, the actor celebrates his 43rd birthday and on his big day, PeepingMoon is here to take you through his unmissable roles which he played with much ease, despite all being so different from each other. 

Narottam Mishra - Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017)

Pankaj as Narottam Mishra in Bareilly Ki Barfi, a chilled-out daddy to an outspoken daughter Bitti Mishra (Kriti Sanon), definitely won hearts. The actor lit up the big screen with his cool, calm and supportive character. 

Aatma Singh - Newton (2017)

Pankaj's character of Aatma Singh in Newtown, who plays the leader of a CRPF unit, had shades of grey but worthy enough for his team. The actor was truly excellent in the role, perhaps one of his finest performances so far. 

Kaleen Bhaiya - Mirzapur (2018)

Kaleen Bhaiya aka Akhandanand Tripathi was the clear winner in Amazon Prime Original's gangster drama series Mirzapur.  Apart from throwing zingers like 'Vishudh Ch***ye Ladke Ho Tum!' and acting sternly throughout, the actor also happened to steal the show all by himself. 

Babulal - Luka Chuppi (2019)

Luka Chuppi without Pankaj's colourful, sassy and over the top character would have been incomplete and we all agree, don't we? The actor was fun, nosy and all things relatable in this quirky-drama film. 

Guru Ji - Sacred Games 2 (2019)

Pankaj aka Guruji in Sacred Games 2 – who not only had the power to keep all his bhakts hooked but also the audience. With Guruji, it was the pace, words and the style that created an aura of mystery. 

We wish the ever-reliable Pankaj Tripathi a very happy birthday. Keep giving back to back impressive performances!

(Source: PeepingMoon)