I can’t believe I’ve survived for so many years – Manoj Bajpayee

Manoj Bajpayee, who is debuting on the digital platform, looks back to the time he started as an actor in the mid-90s
Dhaval Mehta (DNA; September 12, 2019)
Manoj Bajpayee has been known as a powerhouse of performance, whether on the big screen, short films or theatre. Now, the National Award-winning actor is expanding his horizons by debuting on the digital platform with The Family Man, a series where he plays a spy. Manoj says about coming on-board, “It is quite a unique concept. The way directors Raj and DK have formatted all the characters, it will be a treat for the audience to watch. For me, the platform doesn’t matter. I like being part of something that’s new in its storytelling and The Family Man is that.” He admits that prepping as well as filming for the role of Srikant Tiwari was a tedious task that took long hours for three months. “Shooting about 10 scenes daily was not an easy job at all!” he states.
As Manoj has ventured into new territory, he observes that filmmaking today has had an overhaul as well. Content-driven cinema, which he has always been known for, is getting its due. “This change is doing wonders for emerging talent. I feel happy for all the actors and directors who are getting a chance to showcase their work. If people keep working at it, the change will happen and it is inevitable.” He adds that what one does with this change will set the pattern for the upcoming generation.
This wave was missing back in the ’90s. In spite of being known for his acting prowess with Bandit Queen (1996), Satya (1998), Shool (1999) and more, he confesses, “There was nothing for me to play then. If there was, it was either the hero’s or heroine’s brother. And if I had got lucky, I’d have become a big villain. It has been a struggle waiting for the right role and director and time has flown by. I can’t believe I’ve survived for so many years from where I had started.” In spite of the odds, he has kept going. “My love for acting is too deep and I think that keeps me going,” he avers.
Manoj also points out that stardom and acting are completely different things. However, he is not pro tags given to performers. “Actors are loved because of the work they do,” says he.
The Sonchiriya actor’s iconic characters such as Bhiku Mhatre in Satya, Sameer in Kaun (1999), Raghavan Ghatge (Aks, 2001) or inspector Samar Pratap Singh in Shool are timeless. However, he is not up for reprising any of these. “Ab koi aur kare to zyaada accha hai. Mera ho gaya hai,” he laughs.