Pankaj Tripathi recalls waiting for a call at 8 pm at hostel. Criminal Justice actor opens up about romance, Bihar and marriage

In an era where love is often measured in DMs and delivered through Instagram stories, Pankaj Tripathi’s old-school romance feels like a breath of fresh air. Long before he became a household name with unforgettable roles in Gangs of Wasseypur, Criminal Justice, and Mirzapur, the acclaimed actor was just a young man waiting every evening by a hostel landline — hoping to hear his future wife’s voice. It wasn’t instant, flashy, or filtered. It was simple, patient, and built on the kind of trust that rarely makes headlines anymore.

In a nostalgic chat with IANS, Tripathi opened up about those days, saying he didn’t grow up with smartphones in hand. Instead, he recalled how, during his hostel days, he’d wait near the canteen phone booth for a call from Mridula — the woman he would eventually marry. He recalled how in those times, there was no ringtone or caller ID, so he would just sit in the canteen with his dinner plate and wait for his now-wife Mridula to to call at 8 pm.

Pankaj Tripathi on romance
Recently, on The Great Indian Kapil Show, Tripathi spoke again about love — this time with his signature wit. Appearing alongside the cast of his upcoming film Metro… In Dino, the actor admitted that he’s not the most romantic man. “I don’t know much about romance,” he said. He confessed that the only person he ever fell in love was with his wife, whom he married later. He also joked that being from Bihar meant that the "quota of romance" was very little.

Pankaj Tripathi and Mridula's marriage
Pankaj and Mridula’s journey began at a wedding in 1993 when they were both in college. After over a decade of love and long-distance phone calls, they tied the knot in 2004. Two years later, they welcomed their daughter, Aashi, and moved to Mumbai, where Pankaj’s acting career would slowly but surely blossom.

Pankaj Tripathi's upcoming movie
Now, as he gears up for the release of Metro… In Dino, a film that explores modern relationships, heartbreak, and connection. The movie hits cinemas on July 4, starring a powerhouse ensemble cast: Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, Ali Fazal, and Fatima Sana Shaikh, alongside Tripathi. Directed by Anurag Basu, the film promises to be a poignant take on urban love.