Pankaj Tripathi: Hindi films are rarely shot in Bihar

Pankaj shared: "It’s hard to put into words what this moment means to me. I began my journey as a performer on the dusty streets of a small village in Bihar, doing theatre and ‘nukkad nataks’, never imagining that one day I would return to these very lanes with a film crew.”

“After spending over two decades in Hindi cinema, this is the first time I am shooting a film in my home state, and it feels like life has come full circle. Hindi films are rarely shot in Bihar — the last I remember was Manoj Bajpayee’s ‘Shool’ in 2003 — so this experience is incredibly special and long overdue."

The yet-untitled film, directed by Amit Rai of OMG 2 fame, brings together two storytellers who both hail from Bihar. The film, supported by the Bihar Film Niga, features a strong ensemble cast including Pawan Malhotra, Rajesh Kumar, and many talented actors from the Bihar film industry. With a 35-day shooting schedule, the film is being shot across real locations in Bihar.

Pankaj added: "There is a different kind of magic in working on a story that’s rooted in your soil. I feel a deeper responsibility and an emotional connection to every scene, every location, every face I see here.”

“Collaborating again with Amit Rai, who is also from Bihar, makes this project even more personal. We both understand the nuances, the language, the spirit of the land — and I believe that will reflect on screen.”

The acclaimed star said that the upcoming film is also a tribute.

“This film is more than just another project; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the place that made me who I am.”