Acclaimed Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi is mourning the loss of his mother, Smt. Hemwanti Devi, who passed away peacefully on Friday, October 31, at the age of 89. She breathed her last at the family’s ancestral home in Belsand, Gopalganj, Bihar, surrounded by her loved ones.
The actor, renowned for his versatility and grounded persona in films like Mimi, Stree, and Newton, was by his mother’s side in her final moments. Smt. Hemwanti Devi had been unwell for some time, and the family confirmed she passed away peacefully in her sleep.
The Tripathi family officially confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement issued to the media. They expressed profound sadness and requested space to mourn their immense loss privately.
“We are deeply saddened to inform you of the passing of Shri Pankaj Tripathi’s beloved mother, Smt. Hemwanti Devi, who left for her heavenly abode peacefully at the family’s hometown in Belsand, Gopalganj, Bihar, on Friday,” the statement read. “She was 89 years old and had been unwell for some time. She passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her loved ones. Pankaj Tripathi was by her side during her final moments.”
The family requested prayers and respect for their privacy: “The Tripathi family is mourning this immense loss and humbly request everyone to keep Smt. Hemwanti Devi in their thoughts and prayers. The family also requests the media and well-wishers to respect their privacy during this period of grief and allow them time to mourn in peace.”
Smt. Hemwanti Devi’s passing marks another significant loss for the actor, coming just two years after his father, Pandit Banaras Tiwari, passed away in August 2023 at the age of 99. The actor has consistently credited his humble upbringing in rural Bihar and the influence of his parents for shaping his down-to-earth personality and disciplined approach to life and work.
Pankaj Tripathi has frequently spoken with deep affection about his mother’s simple life, often sharing how she remained blissfully detached from his celebrity status. He proudly recounted stories of her preferring the quiet village life in Belsand over the glitz of Mumbai, emphasizing her enduring desire for simplicity.
“My mother was here recently with me and forced us to send her back. She wants that simple life. The other day, she told me that someone had come home asking about me, and wondered if I was too popular. She still doesn’t know what I do, and I don’t even find the reason that she has to,” Tripathi once revealed in an interview, highlighting the deep contrast between his public life and his mother’s quiet dignity.
The funeral and final rites for Smt. Hemwanti Devi took place on Saturday, November 1, in Belsand. The ceremony was strictly a private affair, attended only by close family members, relatives, and friends, honouring the family’s request for a quiet farewell.
The actor’s commitment to his roots and his family values have always resonated strongly with his audience, further cementing his reputation as one of the most sincere and respected figures in the film industry. As the news spreads, heartfelt tributes and condolences from Bollywood colleagues, fans, and well-wishers continue to pour in, offering support to the grieving Tripathi family during this difficult time.
