In a candid interview on the “Conversations with Atul” YouTube channel, Mridula Tripathi, wife of acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi, opened up about their uncomplicated lifestyle despite his rising fame. Mridula highlighted that the couple’s day-to-day living has remained unchanged, sharing anecdotes about their household dynamics, including the notable absence of a microwave.
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Mridula recalled their early days in Mumbai, where she became the primary breadwinner while Pankaj struggled to find work. “We agreed that I would take care of our finances until he got established,” she said. As Pankaj’s career began to flourish, she took on the responsibility of raising their daughter. “Even when he’s busy preparing for a shoot, he always makes time to answer my questions about home,” she added with a laugh.
The couple’s domestic disputes often revolve around practical matters. “We sometimes argue over basic purchases, like plastic containers,” she said. Pankaj, who advocates for environmental sustainability, prefers to avoid plastic, leading to humorous yet serious discussions at home. “He believes we can’t live off just one type of daal and some rice; we need proper containers,” she explained, reflecting on the joy and challenges of their simple life.
Mridula emphasised that Pankaj’s stardom has not changed his essence. “He still wears khaadi and jokes about needing respect because he’s a star now,” she chuckled. However, a stern look from her quickly puts him back in his place.
Their friends often express surprise at the lack of modern amenities in their home. “We don’t even have a microwave,” Mridula revealed. “Pankaj thinks they emit harmful waves. If we need to heat food, we do it on the stove.” Their disagreements extend to the need for an air conditioner in their bungalow, particularly during humid days. “One day, he was sweating silently, and I finally asked, ‘Want to get that AC now?’ He agreed,” she recounted.
Now, Mridula also manages Pankaj’s professional engagements, a role she learned through experience. The couple, married since 2004 and parents to a daughter, continues to balance the demands of celebrity life with their commitment to a grounded family existence. Pankaj was recently seen in a supporting role in the blockbuster film “Stree 2,” further cementing his status in the industry while maintaining his humble lifestyle.