Pankaj Tripathi on Daughter Aashi’ Debut: ‘Sharper Than Me

New Delhi, December 03, 2025: In a proud and humble admission that is making headlines, veteran actor Pankaj Tripathi recently shared his overwhelming admiration for his daughter, Aashi Tripathi, following her impressive stage debut. Aashi stepped into the world of acting with the play ‘Lailaaj’ last month in Mumbai, a musical comedy produced under her parents’ new banner, Roopkatha Rangmanch.

The acclaimed actor, known for his nuanced performances in cinema, confessed that his daughter’s ability to grasp and implement feedback demonstrated a level of sharpness and advancement that took him years to achieve during his own early days in theatre.

A Star is Born on Stage

‘Lailaaj’ marks the inaugural theatrical project for Pankaj and his wife Mridula Tripathi’s production house. Aashi, who has previously appeared in the music video ‘Rang Daaro’, took the lead role in the play, which received a warm reception during its initial November staging.

Pankaj Tripathi revealed that he watched the performances not merely as a father, but critically, as a fellow actor. “She took [the feedback] very well,” he shared in a candid interview. “By the third show, I saw her improvement, I felt she was sharper than me. When our teachers used to explain all these things, it would take us one or two years to adopt that. She achieved that miracle in just three shows.“

His comments highlight the swift learning curve and innate talent of the younger generation, a thought he elaborated on by saying, “This new generation is very sharp, very advanced. But the problems they face are also sharper and very advanced.”

Freedom to Find Her Own Path

Despite Aashi’s promising debut and his obvious pride, Pankaj Tripathi is taking a hands-off approach to her career trajectory. He stressed the importance of letting his daughter find her own way in the demanding field of acting.

“I will let her find her way,” he stated. “I know the difficulties that lie on this path. Either I can scare her now, or I can give her the freedom to do her thing her way. Not just my daughter, I think this freedom should be given to all kids. Tell them to do what they want, and even if they fail, it’s no big deal.”

This perspective is a refreshing contrast to the pressures often associated with being a star kid, emphasizing creative liberty and the value of personal experience over parental guidance alone. For Pankaj, watching his daughter stumble, improve, and finally shine on stage brought back memories of his own journey, solidifying his belief in the transformative power of live theatre.

The ‘Mirzapur’ star’s heartfelt praise for his daughter not only celebrates her talent but also offers a beautiful nod to the potential of this new, ‘sharper’ generation of artists.