# Pankaj Tripathi's Bold Break: Why Even Bollywood Stars Need to Hit Pause for True Artistic Joy **Imagine burning out after non-stop hits like *Stree 2* and *Mirzapur***—that's exactly what pushed Pankaj Tripathi to take a much-needed acting break, ditching "EMI and survival" for pure excitement.[1][2] In a raw interview with *Variety India*, the versatile actor revealed how back-to-back projects led to **boredom and fatigue**. "I wasn't enjoying my work. A break was much needed. I have become more selective now. I leave my home for work that excites me," he shared, emphasizing his shift toward **artistic satisfaction** over endless gigs.[1][2] This isn't just talk—Tripathi slowed down after a frenzy of releases, realizing, "I act to live, not live to act."[3][6] He even backed singers like Arijit Singh, declaring artists aren't "factory products" who need breaks to reinvent themselves.[3][5] ### A Triumphant Return to Roots Fresh from his hiatus, Pankaj is back with heartwarming family flair. He's returning to theatre after **12 years** in the musical comedy *Lailaaj*, produced under his banner Roopkatha Rangmanch with wife Mridula. Sharing the stage with daughter Aashi for the first time, he calls it "nostalgic and deeply grounding," reigniting the intimacy of live performance that cinema can't match.[1][4][6] "Theatre humbles you, challenges you, and keeps you honest," Tripathi reflected.[4] On screen, he's selective but powerhouse: reprising **Kaleen Bhaiya** in *Mirzapur: The Movie* (September 2026), reuniting with Priyadarshan for comedy, and fresh off *Metro... In Dino* (2025) and *Criminal Justice: Season 4*.[1][3][6] This thoughtful pace keeps fans eagerly waiting—what's next from this master?
Citations
1.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/pankaj-tripathi-opens-up-about-taking-a-much-needed-acting-break-prioritizes-artistic-satisfaction-over-survival-a-sense-of-boredom-had-crept-in/articleshow/128067222.cms
2.https://www.hungamaexpress.com/news/40918-pankaj-tripathi-opens-up-on-taking-break-from-acting
3.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/pankaj-tripathi-backs-arijit-singhs-break-decision-we-are-artists-not-factory-products/articleshow/127993463.cms
4.https://www.news18.com/movies/bollywood/pankaj-tripathi-on-theatre-comeback-with-lailaaj-after-12-years-my-journey-as-an-actor-truly-ws-kl-9883973.html
5.https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/pankaj-tripathi-on-arijit-quitting-playback-singing-we-are-not-factory-products-2864350-2026-02-06
6.https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/on-arijit-singhs-retirement-from-playback-singing-pankaj-tripathi-says-we-are-artists-not-factory-products-10958965
7.
8.
9.
---
This email was sent automatically with n8n