In a Monday afternoon ceremony, the Election Commission of India designated actor Pankaj Tripathi as the nation’s “national idol.” The actor was selected for the award due to “his association with ECI in educating voters” The declaration was made in the presence of the actor in Delhi by the Chief Election Commissioner, who expressed his gratitude.
Pankaj, known for his roles in films and television shows such as Mirzapur, Sacred Games, Mimi, and Newton, among others, was already an ECI state idol. While praising the actor, CEC Rajiv Kumar stated that the decision to designate him a national icon was based on his dedication to the cause and widespread popularity across the nation.
Pankaj Tripathi, while addressing the crowd, recalled his experiences as a first-time voter. He stated that the process granted him not just the freedom to vote, but also Samman (respect) as a democratic participant. In addition, he urged all young people to actively engage in elections to show their democratic values and express their opinions.
Pankaj, a recipient of the National Award, has been working in the sector for about two decades. After appearing in small roles in critically praised films such as Omkara, Dharm, and Aakrosh, Pankaj rose to prominence as Sultan Qureshi in Anurag Kashyap’s two-part cult classic Gangs of Wasseypur (2012). In addition to starring in popular web series such as Mirzapur and Criminal Justice, he has now worked on a number of financially successful films throughout the years.
Unsurprisingly, one of Pankaj’s most lauded roles concerned the election process. In the 2017 film Newton, for which he received the National Award, he portrayed a CRPF officer tasked with holding elections in a Chhattisgarh jungle battle zone. Pankaj will appear opposite Akshay Kumar, Yami Gautam, and Arun Govil in the upcoming film OMG 2.
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