Pankaj Tripathi to Be Honoured with ‘Artiste of Distinction’ Award at IFFM 2026

Pankaj Tripathi to Receive ‘Artiste of Distinction’ Honour at IFFM 2026

National Award-winning actor Pankaj Tripathi will be honoured with the prestigious Artiste of Distinction award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026. The recognition marks another milestone in the actor’s celebrated career and will coincide with his first-ever appearance at the festival in Melbourne, where he will receive the honour in person.

Over the years, Tripathi has established himself as one of Indian cinema’s most versatile performers through memorable roles in Gangs of Wasseypur, Mirzapur, Mimi, Newton, Masaan, Stree, Bareilly Ki Barfi, Fukrey, Criminal Justice, OMG 2 and Main Atal Hoon. His portrayal in Mimi earned him the National Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Reacting to the honour, Tripathi said he was “deeply humbled” to be recognised by IFFM.

“As an actor, I have always believed that stories have the extraordinary power to transcend boundaries, connect hearts and bring people closer, irrespective of language or geography. To have my journey recognised on an international platform like IFFM is truly special and incredibly meaningful,” he said.

Reflecting on his journey from a small village in Bihar to international recognition, the actor credited filmmakers, writers, directors, technicians, co-stars and audiences for their support.

“Every milestone in my career has been possible because of the trust and collaboration of so many people. Coming from a small village in Bihar, I never imagined that the stories I would become a part of would one day travel across the world and be celebrated in this manner,” he added.

Tripathi also expressed excitement about attending the festival for the first time, saying he looks forward to interacting with audiences in Australia and celebrating Indian cinema alongside fellow artists.

Announcing the honour, IFFM director Mitu Bhowmick Lange described Tripathi as “one of the finest actors of our generation,” praising his ability to bring authenticity, empathy and emotional depth to every role.

She said the award recognises not only his outstanding body of work but also his significant contribution to storytelling that resonates with audiences across cultures.

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2026 will be held from August 13 to August 23 at Melbourne’s iconic Palais Theatre.