Behind every successful man is a strong woman, and for Bollywood star Pankaj Tripathi, that woman is his wife, Mridula. When they moved to Mumbai with just ₹42,000, it was Mridula who took charge as the breadwinner while Pankaj embarked on his journey to establish himself in the world of acting. In a recent candid interview, Mridula reflected on their journey, revealing how they navigated the challenges of life, career, and love without losing their sense of individuality.
The Early Days: From Struggles to Success
Pankaj Tripathi and Mridula’s story is one of resilience and partnership. When the couple moved to Mumbai after their marriage, it was Mridula who stepped up to support the household. Working as a teacher, she made sure the bills were paid while Pankaj pursued his passion for acting. Despite the financial challenges, Mridula remained unfazed, having complete faith in her husband’s talent and dreams.
“We had about ₹42,000 when we moved to Mumbai,” Mridula shared in an interview. “It wasn’t even enough for a house deposit. But we managed. I was working while Pankaj focused on acting, and we had an understanding: when he starts earning, I’ll quit.”
What’s more inspiring is that Mridula never saw herself as making sacrifices. She was fully aware of the life she chose and embraced it wholeheartedly.
A Partnership Based on Mutual Respect
In an industry known for its cutthroat competition, Pankaj Tripathi’s rise wasn’t easy, but his wife’s unwavering support ensured he could focus on his career. While many women in similar situations might have questioned their identity or struggled with resentment, Mridula made it clear that her decision to support her husband came from a place of love and partnership.
“I don’t see his success as his alone,” Mridula said. “I was the one who chose him and this life. If he’s successful today, it’s because we worked towards it together. I’ve never felt like I lost my identity.”
This powerful statement underscores the strength of their relationship, one based on shared dreams and equal partnership, where neither person’s contribution is diminished.
A Team, Not Just a Couple
What sets Pankaj and Mridula apart is how they’ve always functioned as a team. Mridula’s account of their journey highlights how decisions were made together, with mutual consent, and never out of obligation. Even when she was the sole earner, Pankaj ensured that her self-respect was never compromised.
“He told me to always carry my resignation letter,” Mridula recalled. “If anything ever affects your self-respect, resign then and there, even if we have nothing.”
This kind of unwavering support from Pankaj speaks volumes about the strength of their bond. Their love story is a rare one, where personal ambitions and partnership coexist harmoniously.
From ₹42,000 to Stardom: A Journey of Mutual Success
Today, Pankaj Tripathi is one of Bollywood’s most respected actors, known for his roles in films and shows like Mirzapur, Gangs of Wasseypur, and Mimi. But he never shies away from acknowledging the woman who stood by him when times were tough. Mridula, on the other hand, takes pride in the fact that their journey has always been a shared one.
“When people see us happy together, I don’t think identities matter,” Mridula said. “We are not two different individuals—we are a team.”
Their story is a beautiful reminder that success doesn’t just belong to one person; it’s built on the foundation of love, partnership, and mutual respect. And as Mridula points out, if her husband’s fame brings her into the limelight, it’s because Pankaj ensures that everyone knows the role she played in his journey.
The Power of Support and Teamwork
Pankaj Tripathi’s success is not just his; it belongs to Mridula as well. Their journey from struggling with ₹42,000 to becoming a powerhouse couple in the entertainment industry is a testament to the power of teamwork, respect, and shared dreams. Mridula’s choice to support her husband’s career was not a sacrifice—it was a decision they made together, as a team. And today, both of them are reaping the rewards of that incredible partnership.