Nishant Tripathi, a gifted animator whose life ended in sorrow at the age of 41, was more than just a name in the credits of animated films. He was a visionary artist, a mentor, and a man whose vibrant exterior masked a storm of personal struggles. On February 28, 2025, Nishant took his own life in a Mumbai hotel room, leaving behind a suicide note that shook his loved ones and the animation community. In that letter, uploaded to his company’s website, he poured out his heart, blaming his wife, Apoorva Parikh, and her aunt, Prarthana Mishra, for the emotional anguish that drove him to his final act. This biography explores Nishant’s journey—from his humble beginnings in Mumbai to his rise as an animation luminary, and the devastating events that led to his untimely death.
Early Life: A Spark of Creativity in Mumbai
Born on July 15, 1983, in the bustling city of Mumbai, Maharashtra, Nishant Tripathi grew up in a home filled with passion and purpose. His mother, Neelam Chaturvedi, was a celebrated women’s rights activist whose fiery dedication to social justice shaped the family’s worldview. His father, Ramesh Tripathi, a quieter presence, supported Neelam’s mission while nurturing Nishant’s budding talents. From an early age, Nishant was captivated by the world of art. He spent countless hours doodling characters and imagining stories, his sketchbooks a portal to fantastical realms.
The streets of Mumbai, with their chaotic energy and colorful tapestry, fueled Nishant’s imagination. His parents recognized his gift and enrolled him in art classes, encouraging him to pursue his dreams. After excelling in school, Nishant earned a spot at the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad, a turning point in his life. At NID, he mastered the art of animation, blending traditional storytelling with cutting-edge technology. Graduating with distinction, Nishant emerged with a portfolio that hinted at the brilliance to come.
A Stellar Career in Animation
Nishant’s entry into the animation industry was nothing short of meteoric. He began at a top Mumbai studio, where his talent for breathing life into characters quickly set him apart. Colleagues marveled at his ability to infuse emotion into every frame, whether it was a whimsical cartoon or a poignant short film. His work ethic and creativity propelled him up the ranks, earning him a reputation as a rising star.
In 2015, Nishant took a leap of faith and founded Tripathi Animations, his own studio. It was a bold move that paid off handsomely. Under his leadership, the studio produced award-winning projects, from short films that dazzled at festivals to collaborations with global brands. Nishant’s signature style—rich with detail, heart, and innovation—became a hallmark of his work. Yet, despite his success, he remained grounded, mentoring young animators and sharing his expertise with a generosity that endeared him to all.
Love, Marriage, and Turmoil
Nishant’s personal life took a significant turn in 2018 when he met Apoorva Parikh at a friend’s gathering. A marketing executive with a magnetic charm, Apoorva swept Nishant off his feet. Their whirlwind romance culminated in a quiet wedding in 2019, a moment of joy that seemed to promise a bright future. Nishant often spoke of Apoorva with adoration, his eyes lighting up as he described their shared dreams.
But the fairy tale soon unraveled. Apoorva, who had been married once before, brought complexities into their union. Tensions flared, exacerbated by the influence of her aunt, Prarthana Mishra. According to Nishant’s mother, Neelam, Prarthana’s constant meddling sowed discord, straining the marriage beyond repair. Nishant, a man of peace, found himself caught in a web of conflict he couldn’t escape. By 2024, the couple was on the brink of divorce, and Nishant’s once-bright spirit began to dim.
The Final Days
In late February 2025, Nishant sought refuge at the Sahara Hotel in Vile Parle, Mumbai. For three days, he isolated himself, a “Do Not Disturb” sign guarding his solitude. On February 28, hotel staff, alarmed by his silence, entered the room to find him hanging in the bathroom—a heartbreaking end to a life of promise. The discovery sent ripples of grief through his circle and beyond.
A week later, a password-protected suicide note appeared on the Tripathi Animations website, revealing the depth of Nishant’s despair. Addressed to Apoorva, it was both a love letter and a cry of pain. “Hi babe, by the time you read this, I’ll be gone,” he wrote. “In my last moments, I could’ve hated you for everything that happened, but I don’t. For this moment, I choose love.” Yet, he also pointed a finger at Apoorva and Prarthana, accusing them of pushing him to the edge. He pleaded with them to spare his mother further pain, a final act of protection for the woman who had raised him.
A Mother’s Grief and a Fight for Justice
Neelam Chaturvedi’s world shattered with her son’s death. On March 3, 2025, she filed a police complaint against Apoorva and Prarthana under BNS Section 108, alleging abetment of suicide. The case, still under investigation, thrust the family into the spotlight, igniting debates about mental health and accountability. Neelam’s raw grief spilled onto social media, where she mourned, “My son was my everything. He was supposed to perform my last rites, but I had to cremate him.”
Her activism, once focused on uplifting others, now turned inward as she sought justice for Nishant. The media frenzy that followed amplified her voice, drawing attention to the hidden struggles that can lurk behind success.
A Lasting Legacy
Nishant Tripathi’s death left an indelible mark on the animation world. Tripathi Animations, guided by his loyal team, continues to thrive, preserving his artistic vision. Beyond his craft, Nishant’s story sparked a broader conversation about mental health, emotional abuse, and the need for support systems. His mother, though broken, vowed to honor him by advocating for those silently suffering.
Nishant was a man of contrasts—a creator of joy who battled inner darkness, a husband who loved deeply yet lost himself in pain. His life, though tragically short, reminds us of the power of art and the fragility of the human spirit.