‘Squid Game’ and ‘IC 814’ Star Anupam Tripathi on Bridging Korean and Indian Entertainment Industries: ‘I Feel Blessed’ (EXCLUSIVE)

As a movie critic with a keen eye for cross-cultural storytelling, I must say that Anupam Tripathi’s journey is nothing short of captivating. His unique ability to seamlessly navigate the Korean and Indian entertainment industries is truly remarkable. It’s like watching Ali Abdul transform into Ram Chandra Yadav, much like how Peter Parker becomes Spiderman!


In 2021, when Netflix’s “Squid Game” became an international sensation, it thrust its cast into the global limelight. For Anupam Tripathi, the actor who played Ali Abdul and hails from India but resides in Korea, this was a significant milestone that has since propelled his career across various continents and sectors.

Following the success of “Squid Game,” Tripathi shares with EbMaster, “My life has taken a significant turn.” Now, he’s well-known in the Korean entertainment industry.

The actor’s fame hasn’t just stayed within Korea; he recently starred in Anubhav Sinha’s successful Netflix India series “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,” which is a dramatization of the true events surrounding the hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight in 1999. In this role, Tripathi portrays Ram Chandra Yadav, a member of the Indian intelligence service RAW stationed in Kathmandu.

Tripathi remarks, “I couldn’t have asked for a more ideal character to debut with in India. In ‘Squid Game,’ I was perceived as naive or innocent. However, this role was a stark contrast. It allows me to display my versatility as an actor to the world.

To ready himself for the part, Tripathi delved deeply into research, going so far as to visit the Indian embassy in Korea to study the behavior of diplomats there. “I found myself constantly pondering over his perspective, his mannerisms, and his speech,” he explains.

The actor depicts Yadav as a “subtle” figure, someone who needs to maintain a normal facade while his mind is consistently engaged in safeguarding his country’s welfare. As Tripathi points out, “It’s a delicate balance. I can’t overdo it. I can’t underdo it.

Working on “IC 814” project provided Tripathi an opportunity to collaborate with esteemed Indian actors, reminiscing about the day when he came face-to-face with veterans such as Naseeruddin Shah and Pankaj Kapur on set. He exclaimed, “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw them seated at that table!” Sinha introduced Tripathi, and he cherished the meaningful conversations about his profession with his seniors that ensued.

Working under Director Sinha was just as significant an experience for Tripathi, who describes him as a cheerful individual. According to the actor, “He makes you feel like what you’re doing matters greatly.

Tripathi’s career path in the entertainment world extends across Korea and India. Earning a master’s degree in acting from Korea, he balanced this with ongoing projects, and his distinct role as an Indian professional in the Korean entertainment scene has provided opportunities for him to act as a representative.

Tripathi expresses gratitude, stating he feels fortunate because he gets to embody an Indian actor, showcase Indian culture, and promote Korean culture,” is one way to paraphrase this sentence in a natural and easy-to-read manner. Tripathi has been invited to speak at the Oxford Union and has served as a brand ambassador for Korean film festivals.

Ahead lies a bustling schedule for Tripathi, with numerous projects underway. One of these, titled “Rhapsody for the Dead,” where he takes on the lead role as a spirit exorcist, premiered earlier this year at Bucheon and is scheduled to be released in Korea and five other Asian countries. He’s additionally engaged in a U.K. short film, serving both as an actor and executive producer. Another Korean drama is about to start soon. Furthermore, he’s receiving offers from India due to the success of “IC 814.

As a movie critic, I find myself consistently impressed by Tripathi’s relentless pursuit of bridging the gap between the vibrant Korean and Indian film industries. In his own words, “I aspire to be recognized as an Indian actor in Korea.” The notion that he represents India on a global stage, and stands alongside fellow international performers, fills him with immense pride.

He anticipates that his work will open up opportunities for increased acknowledgement of foreign artists within South Korea’s entertainment scene. “One day,” he expresses, “I hope there will be a category for international actors in all the major Korean awards.

Read More

2024-09-18 10:17