Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 2: The good days are here to stay for Luka Chuppi actor Pankaj Tripathi who recently lifted the trophy for Best Supporting Actor in 'Stree' at Screen Awards and has now joined the cast of Janhvi Kapoor starrer biopic on Gunjan Saxena where he will play father to the fearless woman pilot who flew in combat and rescued Indian soldiers during the 1999 Kargil War and was later honoured with Shaurya Chakra for her heroic act.

Pankaj is on a roll since his films like Bareilly ki Barfi, Stree and Fukrey series became blockbusters while his web shows Mirzapur and Sacred Games also grabbed a lot of attention. He confirmed playing father to Janhvi Kapoor in a yet untitled Dharma Production and has begun shooting for the same in Lucknow. Janhvi Kapoor will play the gutsy Indian Air Force pilot Gunjan Saxena while Pankaj Tripathi plays Anuj Saxena, Gunjan’s father, in the film.

This is the first time that audiences will be seeing Pankaj and Janhvi together. Both of them have bonded well while shooting for Sharan Sharma directorial. The actor was all praises for his co-actor and the director of the film. Speaking about his co-star, Pankaj said that Janhvi is a refined and sincere actress and does her work with complete dedication. Working with a talented director like Sharan whose previous projects include Yeh Jawaani Hai and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is a great opportunity to present his craft. Dharma Productions is backing the project and is making every effort to produce an immensely successful film.

While Janhvi Kapoor will be seen essaying the role of Indian Air Force pilot, child actor Riva Arora will play her younger version. The latter had earlier played the part of Sridevi’s daughter in MOM. He confirmed joining the team of Gunjan Saxena biopic and will be shooting in Lucknow in the first week of March and leave for Mumbai after completing the first leg of the shoot.

Besides this, Pankaj Tripathi will continue to tantalize audiences with his performance in web series Mirzapur as Kaleen Bhaiya, as well as, in Sacred Games 2 as Guruji. He has also signed for Kabir Khan’s 83 where he will play the unsung hero of 1983 - Man Bhai.