Even In Arranged Marriages Men Should Be Vocal They Don't Want Dowry: Pankaj Tripathi

Pankaj Tripathi On Dowry: SheThePeople had the opportunity of talking to actor Pankaj Tripathi and his wife Mridula Tripathi some time back. In a freewheeling chat, they spoke about several social issues, such as financial equality, being a feminist dad and the practice of Dowry. Taking or giving dowry has been criminalised by law as early as 1961. But,  it is still a significant part of Indian marriage.

The Tripathi duo believes in breaking stereotypes and setting trends that are based on equal partnerships. Here is what the Gunjan Saxena actor had to say about Dowry. Tripathi has spoken about it earlier that early on in his life he had decided that he will not take a penny from his wife's family as dowry.

India has an alarming trend that sees 20 women die every day as a result of harassment over a dowry – either murdered, or compelled to commit suicide.

"I had told my father-in-law that I will not take a single penny from him. He still got a three-piece suit stitched for me and I didn't wear it.  Why do we need to have a specific attire for the grooms? On the wedding day, one can wear whatever he wants. On my wedding day, I was dressed up in  Dhoti Kurta" stated Pankaj Tripathi.

An actor who accepted on several public forums that while he struggled to find his feet in the industry it was his wife Mridula Tripathi who remained the breadwinner. Read more about it here:

Tripathi shared that in Bihar, till some time back dowry plagued the society so much that the grooms were almost auctioned. He says, "I have never seen in my village people getting married without a dowry. In love marriages, people don’t ask for it, but even in arranging marriages the groom should be so vocal to get married without asking for a single penny from the bride's family."

Although things are changing now there have been several efforts by the government to eradicate this social evil. People are progressive now. He says, "I hope I could at least influence at least one young man to say no to dowry."

Tripathi is a Gem!

The audience loves Pankaj Tripathi as Kaleen Bhaiya in the web series named Mirzapur. Tripathi is known for his acting prowess and down to earth nature. He has won many hearts with his simplicity.

Pankaj Tripathi Dowry: See our interview here

Pankaj Tripathi says it is very important for daughters to have supporting fathers. As an actor, he believes in borrowing from real life in his on-screen portrayals. He shares “After Bareilly Ki Barfi and Gunjan Saxena  many young girls have told me when after watching you essay a father’s role we thought that everyone should have a father like that.” He shares that many young girls have told him that they either watched these films with their fathers or made them watch the film later on. Read more about it here: