Manoj Bajpayee, a prominent Indian actor, rose to stardom from humble beginnings in a small village. He overcame rejections and setbacks to achieve success with his breakthrough role in Satya, earning him a National Film Award. As he gears up for his 100th film, Bhaiyya Ji, Bajpayee reflects on his theatre days in Delhi and the resurgence of the action-thriller genre in Indian cinema. The actor finds inspiration in Dubai’s ever-evolving culture and administration, appreciating the city’s openness to change.
Growing up in a small village, Bajpayee always dreamed of becoming an actor, despite societal norms looking down upon the profession. Moving to Mumbai, the ‘City of Dreams,’ was initially intimidating, but he persisted and eventually found success. His journey was marked by rejections, but Bajpayee’s unwavering self-belief and dedication to his craft propelled him forward. Through his experiences, he learned that success or failure does not define one’s worth as a person or actor.
Bhaiyya Ji, Bajpayee’s 100th film, explores the revenge mindset deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of small-town India. The actor delves into the emotional aspects of the action-thriller genre and the importance of strong emotional backing in such films. He believes that the shift in audience preference towards action films stems from the desire for relatable stories showcasing culture and roots. Bajpayee emphasizes the need for representation of villages and small towns in mainstream cinema to resonate with audiences.
From Satya to Bhaiyya Ji, Bajpayee observes the evolution of the action genre in Indian cinema. While commercial films have thrived, the shift towards realism, as seen in Satya, has influenced storytelling in the industry. The actor advocates for revisiting classic films and heroes that highlighted the common man’s struggles, suggesting a return to those narratives. Looking ahead, Bajpayee is enthusiastic about his current projects, including Family Man Season 3, independent films, and mainstream action films, embracing the diversity of roles and characters he gets to portray.
