Pankaj Tripathi on returning to theatre after 12 years: It feels nostalgic and grounding

Pankaj Tripathi is set to return to the theatre after a gap of 12 years with a cameo in the musical comedy Lailaaj. The play is produced by the actor, along with his wife, Mridula, and also features their daughter, Aashi. Having made her stage debut last year, Lailaaj marks the first time Aashi will perform alongside her father. For Pankaj, the project is not just a return to his theatrical roots but also a heartfelt homecoming.Speaking about coming back to the stage, Pankaj says, “Theatre is where my journey as an actor truly began, and returning after 12 years feels both nostalgic and grounding. Cinema has given me immense love and recognition, but theatre has a different kind of intimacy. It humbles you, challenges you, and keeps you honest as a performer.” He adds, “Lailaaj is very close to my heart because it comes from a space of family, friendship, and a shared love for storytelling. Producing it with my wife Mridula has been a labour of love, and the process has reminded us why we started dreaming in the first place.” Reflecting on performing alongside his daughter, Pankaj shares, “Watching Aashi step onto the stage has been one of the most emotional experiences of my life. Theatre teaches 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 a father guiding his child, but about two actors learning and growing together in the moment. Lailaaj carries laughter, music, and warmth, but it also carries our personal truth and joy,” he concludes.Written and directed by acclaimed theatre practitioner Faiz Mohammed Khan, Lailaaj is scheduled to open on February 8 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.