Actor Manoj Bajpayee says his career’s low phases made him stronger
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 2, 2020)

Padma Shri, National Awards, critical acclaim — actor Manoj Bajpayee’s journey has had several high points. But that doesn’t mean he got it all easy. Low points were aplenty, too, one such phase being after the release of Pinjar (2003). Bajpayee tells us, “When such a great film didn’t see that kind of footfall in theatres, and was not even nominated at any mainstream award functions, it put the truth right in front of my eyes. No matter what I do, or what I’ve been trying to do, these people are not going to award or recognise me, and the audience is somewhere not interested in watching my films, so I’m on my own.”

His career went “down completely” after that, but he remained focused on working hard. “I’ve used those low phases in bettering my craft and myself as an actor and person... Sometimes, I’ve done a few wrong films just to keep the kitchen going. It was a phase where I was not getting offers, but my resolve was 100%,” shares the 51-year-old, who went on to do films such as Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) and Aligarh (2016).

The star tag might have come to be attached with him, owing to his powerful performances and knack of handling both masala and independent films, but Bajpayee reveals, “They called me all sorts of things. People have done so much of back biting, tried to pull me down. Those close to me know I am a tough nut. You put a thousand people in my opposition, I’ll never be scared, rather it challenges and motivates me.”

With 26 years in the industry, and counting, the actor has witnessed several changes. “Earlier, when I’d ask for the script, they’d laugh at me and say ‘Where has this guy come from?’, but now you get scripts, contracts are signed, fee is given via cheque, shooting usually starts and ends on time. People try to stick to budgets. But, there’s still no space for independent films. When it comes to exhibition, they still struggle,” he adds.

He feels transparency needs to be implemented in that aspect. “OTT platforms are changing a lot of things... I hope things will change drastically once the pandemic restrictions are lifted. Opposition is something you have to be ready to face every time, and when you have no one, it’s better as there is no confusion in your mind. You’ve to fight it on your own; it gives you immense power,” he says.