Bollywood Actors And Their Hometowns: Pankaj Tripathi, Sohum Shah To Manoj Bajpayee Celebrate Their Roots And How!

Actors in showbiz not only play different characters but also come from diverse backgrounds themselves, bringing their own story to life at times. Few actors draw inspiration from their hometowns and also carry a piece of their heritage in their work and lives. Whether portraying rural resilience, urban charm, or cultural pride, these actors stay true to where they come from. From Pankaj Tripathi to Soham Shah - let's scroll through a few actors who dig deeper to their roots and add a touch of their own hometown to what they play on reel:

These celebrated Bollywood stars have proudly talked about their hometown and roots quite often in several media interactions and shows. And not once but many times have taken up nuances from their own place, adding a bit of an edge to their on-screen roles. Their creative juices are fuelled by their connection with the roots. 

Born in Mumbai, Vicky Kaushal effortlessly blends his Punjabi heritage with his on-screen personas. From the brave Major Vihaan Singh Shergill in Uri: The Surgical Strike to the soulful Deepak in Masaan, his characters carry an understated sincerity that reflects his upbringing. Vicky’s connection to his roots is evident in the pride he takes in his cultural identity.

Hailing from the vibrant landscapes of Sri Ganganagar, Sohum Shah embodies the spirit of small-town India in his work. Known for his groundbreaking role in Tumbbad and the politically charged series Maharani, Sohum’s stories often reflect the challenges and dreams of those from humble beginnings. His frequent visits to his hometown and his pride in its culture make him a true ambassador of his roots.

Ayushman Khurrana, a native of Chandigarh, seamlessly weaves his roots into his craft. From the relatable boy-next-door in Vicky Donor to the socially conscious roles in Article 15 and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, his characters often carry the warmth and authenticity of his upbringing. Ayushmann’s art, music, and poetry all reflect the cultural richness of his hometown.

Pankaj Tripathi’s performances are as earthy and authentic as his upbringing in Belsand, Bihar. Whether it’s the role of a patriarch in Mirzapur or a conflicted father in Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, his characters exude a simplicity that mirrors his roots. Pankaj often credits his hometown for grounding him, and his love for rural India resonates in his interviews and off-screen persona.

Manoj Bajpayee’s journey from Bettiah to Bollywood is a story of perseverance and authenticity. Known for playing complex characters like Srikant Tiwari in The Family Man or Bhiku Mhatre in Satya, Manoj brings a raw intensity to his roles, rooted in the values and experiences of his small-town upbringing. He remains a proud son of Bettiah, frequently visiting and championing regional talent.