Pankaj Tripathi’s Mother Passes Away at 89; Actor Returns Home in Sorrow

Pankaj Tripathi's mother, Hemwanti Devi, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on Friday, October 31, in the actor's native village of Belsand, Gopalganj district, Bihar. The veteran Bollywood star was by her side during her final moments, having returned to his hometown where she had been unwell for some time. Her cremation was conducted on Saturday in an intimate ceremony attended only by close family members, relatives, and friends, reflecting the family's desire for a dignified farewell.

In an official statement released by Tripathi's team, the family expressed deep sorrow while confirming that Hemwanti Devi departed in her sleep, surrounded by loved ones. "We are deeply saddened to inform you of the passing of Shri Pankaj Tripathi's beloved mother, Hemwanti Devi, who left for her heavenly abode peacefully," the statement read. The family extended gratitude for thoughts and prayers while making a heartfelt plea to media and well-wishers to respect their privacy during this difficult period of mourning.

This marks the second major personal loss for Tripathi in recent years. His father, Pandit Banaras Tiwari—a priest and farmer—passed away on August 21, 2023, at their ancestral home. At the time, the actor was in Mumbai promoting his film OMG 2 but immediately flew back to Bihar to perform the last rites. The consecutive bereavements have cast a shadow over the actor's otherwise celebrated career, known for its authenticity and emotional depth.

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From assisting his father in the fields and temple to becoming one of Indian cinema’s most respected character actors, Pankaj Tripathi’s journey began with college theatre in Patna, followed by training at the prestigious National School of Drama. After years of struggle in Mumbai, he rose to prominence with Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur and delivered unforgettable performances in films like Masaan, Newton, Stree, Mimi, and the web series Mirzapur. As tributes pour in from fans and colleagues, the actor remains in seclusion with his family, honoring the quiet life of the woman who shaped his roots.

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