After the massive success of the Korean show ‘Squid Game,’ Anupam Tripathi’s life has changed forever. “The show unexpectedly became so huge,” says the actor who plays a Pakistani immigrant in the series, which has become OTT platform Netflix’s biggest original series launch in history.
“We never expected such a reaction. “I still remember the day of the release; my life was fine until 4 p.m., but after 5 p.m., everyone started talking about my role, and I saw the love pouring in on Instagram,” Tripathi added, according to Hindustan Times.
His performance was filled with emotion, and his mastery of the craft was evident throughout the show. He attributes this to his Indian roots and days spent learning theatre in Delhi.
“The love I’m receiving as a result of the show is growing by the day.” It feels great to be a part of something so historic. At the same time, it (fame) is new to me,” Tripathi says of the web show, which has amassed over 111 million fans in less than a month, adding, “So, I am still observing myself, trying to express myself and enjoy it as much as I can.”
Soon after the show, his Instagram followers increased from 3,000 to three million in a matter of days.
Growing up in Delhi, Tripathi was always drawn to theatre and music, and he planned to attend the National School of Drama (NSD). However, fate had other plans for him. In 2010, he received an arts scholarship and enrolled at the Korea National University of the Arts in South Korea.
“My journey from Delhi to Korea was not easy, but it was enjoyable.” I enjoyed both the lows and the highs. But I have to say that my Indian roots and theatre days in Delhi helped me adjust to this new culture and learn the language. “They’ve helped me stay grounded and pursue my dreams in a place where my language, culture, and even the food have changed,” he told HT.