Actor Pankaj Tripathi recently shared his perspective on the concept of an alpha male, contrasting his views with the aggressive portrayals often seen in mainstream Bollywood cinema. Speaking ahead of the release of his new film, Parivarik Manuranjan, Tripathi described an alpha male as “someone who is a leader, without chest-thumping masculinity.”
Addressing cultural expectations of masculinity, the actor criticised long-standing idioms that pressure men to suppress pain or act in rigid ways. While acknowledging that his commentary on being “woke” might draw negative reactions, he defended the necessity of social consciousness. He clarified that he avoids making sensational statements for the sake of public discussion, preferring to remain thoughtful about the labels he uses.
Tripathi stars in Parivarik Manuranjan alongside Aditi Rao Hydari, with the film featuring characters who navigate personal transitions, including a plot point where his character expresses a desire to move beyond a “beta” status. The actor revealed that he committed to the project after reading the script in a single night. He noted that he was attracted to the story’s “ordinary” and slice-of-life nature, criticising contemporary cinema for relying on gimmicks or shock value rather than simple, authentic storytelling.
Key facts
- Pankaj Tripathi defines an alpha male as a leader devoid of chest-thumping masculinity.
- The film Parivarik Manuranjan began streaming on SonyLIV on November 13, 2026.
- The film is directed by Varun V. Sharma and also features actors Darpan Bhardwaj, Karan Chanana, and Aklavya Chaudhary.
- Tripathi decided to join the project the morning after receiving the script.
Why it matters
The actor’s comments reflect a growing critique within the film industry regarding the reliance on stereotypical representations of men. By choosing projects that avoid traditional genre gimmicks, Tripathi highlights a shift toward valuing realistic, grounded storytelling in an era where he feels such narratives are becoming increasingly rare.
Source: Times of India, Hindustan Times
Comments