Shakespeare Tripathy Biography: The “King of OTT,” Age, and Real Story
Shakespeare Tripathy has become one of the most recognized faces in the Indian digital entertainment space. While the mainstream Bollywood industry often grabs the headlines, a parallel revolution has happened in the Indian OTT (Over-The-Top) world, and Shakespeare Tripathy stands at the center of it.
Known for his dominant screen presence, tall stature, and unfiltered honesty in interviews, Shakespeare has carved a niche for himself that few others could manage. From a small-town engineering graduate to becoming the “King of Bold Web Series,” his journey is a fascinating tale of survival, choices, and stardom.
Here is the comprehensive biography of Shakespeare Tripathy, covering his early life in Odisha, his corporate job, his famous sister, and the truth behind his controversial career choices.
Shakespeare Tripathy: Profile Highlights
| Bio Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Shakespeare Tripathy |
| Popular As | “The King of OTT” |
| Date of Birth | December 1, 1993 |
| Birthplace | Berhampur/Kendrapara, Odisha, India |
| Education | B.Tech (Electronics & Telecommunication) |
| College | GIET, Gunupur |
| Sister | Leslie Tripathy (Actress & Activist) |
| Profession | Actor, Model, Content Creator |
| Known For | Lead roles in Indian Web Series (PrimePlay, Hunters, etc.) |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (approx) |
View this post on Instagram
Early Life and Education: The Engineer from Odisha
Shakespeare Tripathy hails from the culturally rich state of Odisha. Born into a highly educated Brahmin family (with roots in Kendrapara and Berhampur), he was raised with a strong emphasis on academics.
Like many ambitious students from middle-class Indian families, Shakespeare initially followed a traditional career path. He enrolled in the Gandhi Institute of Engineering and Technology (GIET) in Gunupur, Odisha, where he pursued a B.Tech in Electronics and Telecommunication.
He was a dedicated student and, after completing his engineering degree, he secured a placement in the corporate world. He moved to Noida (Uttar Pradesh) to work for HCL Technologies, one of India’s leading IT companies. For a brief period, Shakespeare lived the life of a corporate employee, dealing with the 9-to-5 grind. However, his heart was set on something much more glamorous.
Leaving the Corporate World for Mumbai
The monotony of the IT sector could not contain Shakespeare’s creative energy. He eventually quit his stable job at HCL and packed his bags for Mumbai, the “City of Dreams.”
His transition was not instant stardom. Shakespeare started his journey as a model. Standing tall at nearly 6 feet with a well-built physique, he found initial success in modeling assignments. He participated in the prestigious Gladrags Manhunt contest, which gave him his first taste of the limelight and helped him network within the industry.
Career Beginnings: TV and The “Swaraj” Fame
Before becoming the face of the bold OTT genre, Shakespeare Tripathy tried his luck in mainstream television. He is a trained actor who takes his craft seriously. One of his notable mainstream achievements was his role in the historical drama series “Swaraj” on DD National.
In Swaraj, Shakespeare played the role of a British officer. His sharp features and ability to command the screen made him a perfect fit for the antagonist role. Despite this success, the mainstream TV industry in Mumbai is notoriously competitive, with thousands of actors fighting for a single role. The inconsistency of work led him to explore other avenues.
View this post on Instagram
The Rise of the “OTT King”
The post-2020 era saw a massive boom in Indian regional and niche OTT platforms (such as PrimePlay, Hunters, Besharams, and Voovi). These platforms demanded a new kind of content—bold, dramatic, and adult-oriented.
While many mainstream actors shied away from this genre due to fear of judgment, Shakespeare Tripathy embraced it as a professional opportunity. He realized that there was a massive demand for male leads who could act well and look good on screen.
He quickly became the most sought-after actor in this segment, starring in viral hits such as:
-
Farebi Yaar
-
Suno Bhabhiji
-
Jism
-
Exchange Balloons
-
Dalal X
Unlike many others in the industry who appear in one or two shows and vanish, Shakespeare has maintained a consistent presence, earning him the title of the “King” of this genre.
Family: The Leslie Tripathy Connection
A surprising fact for many of his fans is his connection to Leslie Tripathy, a well-known figure in the Indian entertainment industry. Leslie is Shakespeare’s elder sister.
Leslie Tripathy is a respected actress who has appeared in Bollywood films like W and various music videos. She is perhaps even more famous for her social activism. She made national headlines when she fought a long legal battle against cyberstalking, a case that eventually involved the Prime Minister’s Office. Shakespeare shares a close bond with his sister and family, often visiting them in Odisha.
View this post on Instagram
The “Honest” Star: Viral Interviews and Podcasts
What truly separates Shakespeare from other actors in the bold industry is his intelligence and honesty. He has appeared on major YouTube channels like Galatta India, Pinkvilla, and RealTalk, where he speaks fluent English and Hindi, breaking the stereotype that actors in adult series are uneducated.
In these viral interviews, Shakespeare has exposed the dark side of the industry:
-
The Reality of Money: He openly discussed his pay rates (revealing he earns approx ₹20,000 per day of shooting), stating that he views acting as a job to pay bills, not just for fame.
-
Male Exploitation: He has been a vocal advocate for male actors, revealing that men also face the “casting couch” and are often treated as secondary to female actresses in this specific genre.
-
Survival: He admits that while he wants to do mainstream films, he is not ashamed of the work that puts food on his table.
Shakespeare Tripathy is a complex figure in the Indian entertainment landscape. He is an engineer turned actor, a brother to a social activist, and a star who rules a controversial genre with confidence. Whether you view him as a bold actor or a pragmatist surviving in Mumbai, there is no denying that Shakespeare Tripathy has made a mark that is impossible to ignore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is the sister of Shakespeare Tripathy?
A: His sister is Leslie Tripathy, a famous actress and social activist known for her fight against cyberbullying.
Q: Is Shakespeare Tripathy an engineer?
A: Yes, he holds a B.Tech degree in Electronics and Telecommunication from GIET, Gunupur.
Q: Which are the famous web series of Shakespeare Tripathy?
A: He is famous for series like Farebi Yaar, Suno Bhabhiji, and Exchange Balloons.
Q: Where is Shakespeare Tripathy from?
A: He is from the state of Odisha, India.
Disclaimer: This biography is based on publicly available information, interviews, and media reports. The views expressed in the interviews mentioned are those of the actor himself.
