Seoul, South Korea – Anupam Tripathi, born on November 2, 1988, in New Delhi, India, has become a familiar face to audiences worldwide, particularly for his standout role as Ali Abdul in Netflix’s South Korean sensation, Squid Game (2021). This Indian actor has been making waves in the South Korean entertainment scene, with a diverse filmography that spans television series, films, and stage productions.
Early Life and Education
Tripathi’s journey into the world of acting began when he played a slave in a stage production of Spartacus, sparking his interest in the craft. He joined playwright Shahid Anwar’s Behroop theater group from 2006 to 2010. In 2010, he made a pivotal decision to move to South Korea, leaving behind plans to attend the National School of Drama in New Delhi. Instead, he enrolled at the Korea National University of Arts on the Arts Major Asian scholarship.
Despite initial challenges adjusting to the cultural and language differences, Tripathi’s determination led him to become fluent in Korean within two years. During his university years, he ventured into Korean plays and commercials, laying the foundation for his future in the Korean entertainment industry.
Career Highlights
Tripathi’s debut in the Korean film industry began with a minor role as an unnamed Sri Lankan man in Ode to My Father (2014). He subsequently took on various roles, often portraying a migrant worker in Korean society, reflecting the challenges faced by many immigrants.
However, his breakout moment came with his main cast credit as the undocumented Pakistani worker Abdul Ali in the Netflix original series Squid Game (2021). Tripathi’s emotional acting capabilities and fluency in Korean caught the attention of director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who cited the difficulty of finding good foreign actors in Korea. Squid Game’s international success catapulted Tripathi to fame, with his Instagram followers soaring from 10,000 to over 2.5 million in a matter of days.
Tripathi’s filmography includes notable works like Space Sweepers (2021), Asura: The City of Madness (2015), and a special appearance in Vanishing (2022). He has also made cameo appearances in popular television series such as Descendants of the Sun (2016) and Hospital Playlist (2020).
Personal Life and Future Endeavors
Fluent in English, Hindi, and Korean, Anupam Tripathi’s personal life reflects a commitment to continuous growth. He lost his father in 2017, and as of 2022, he is on track to complete his master’s degree in acting at Korea National University of Arts.
Tripathi’s journey in the Korean entertainment industry has been recognized with awards such as the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series and the Asian Star Award (Korea) at the 17th Seoul International Drama Awards.
As he continues to make strides in his acting career, Anupam Tripathi’s story stands as a testament to cultural diversity in the global entertainment landscape, proving that talent knows no boundaries. His ambassadorship for the 1st Ulsan International Film Festival in 2021 further solidifies his role as an influential figure in bridging cultures through the medium of film.
Fans and followers can stay connected with Anupam Tripathi on his Instagram account (@sangipaiya), where he shares glimpses of his life, career, and experiences in the vibrant world of Korean entertainment.