Pankaj Tripathi Steps Down as National Icon of ECI Ahead of Main Atal Hoon Release


Renowned Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi, celebrated for his impactful roles in various films and OTT releases, has voluntarily stepped down from his position as the National Icon of the Election Commission of India (ECI). This decision comes as he prepares to portray the role of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the upcoming film 'Main Atal Hoon.'
Tripathi, appointed as the National Icon in October last year, cited his commitment to portraying Vajpayee in the biopic as the primary reason for his voluntary resignation. The Election Commission, acknowledging his significant contributions to voter awareness, expressed gratitude for his service through a statement on social media.

Directed by Ravi Jadhav and written by Rishi Virmanu, 'Main Atal Hoon' delves into the life and achievements of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the first prime minister of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The highly anticipated biopic is scheduled for release on January 19.

In a recent interview with Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami on 'Nation Wants To Know,' Pankaj Tripathi credited the rise of streaming platforms for catapulting him to a household name. He emphasized the pivotal role of projects like the 2017 film 'Newton' and web series such as 'Mirzapur' and 'Sacred Games' in shaping his career. Notably, 'Newton' earned him his first National Award, paving the way for broader recognition in the industry.

Originating from Bihar, Tripathi has gained acclaim for his stellar performances in projects like 'Gangs of Wasseypur,' 'Bareilly Ki Barfi,' and 'Stree,' showcasing his versatile acting prowess. As he ventures into the challenging role of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the actor continues to leave an indelible mark on the Indian film industry.