Manoj Bajpayee, whose career boasts of some remarkable and versatile power-packed performances, points out the stereotyping that exists in Bollywood and says that it’s time the film industry looks within and works on its weaknesses instead of defending them.

Talking about how stereotyping exists, looking back at his own film journey, Manoj says, “The only film before Gulmohar (2023) where I played a rich guy was Zubeidaa (2001). That was Shyam Benegal’s conviction. He was the one who felt that real maharajas were not Greek gods. They looked normal. In Veer-Zaara (2004), I played a politician from Pakistan. I had two scenes in it, but Yash ji (Chopra) was adamant that I do it. He cast me after watching Pinjar (2003). These filmmakers had that vision which stems from seeing life up close. Bakiyonko mujhe rich dikhaane mein dikkat hoti hai. The roles that I portrayed were mostly set in middle-class and lower middle-class stories. I am never considered for high society roles. No director could think of me as a rich guy, barring the two stalwarts that I mentioned. This stereotyping exists.”

Manoj feels there’s a larger problem that the industry is facing today. He feels, if you dig deeper, you’ll notice that our industry (Bollywood) lacks insight towards life, our country and people.

The celebrated actor explains, “No one can plan a hit or flop. No one sets out to make a bad film. The problem that our industry is facing is lack of insight. Most people who are at the helm of studios or decision-making positions, belong to a generation that hasn’t seen India. They are completely cut off from reality. Their references are other films and not real life. And there came a point when tickets became unaffordable and south films in dubbed versions became people’s staple diet in the north because those films were more relatable.”

He also believes that actors in Hindi cinema need to have a command over the language. “As parents, those who can afford it, we want our kids to study in the best of English medium schools and get the best education. There’s nothing wrong with that. However, if these kids wish to pursue a career in Hindi movies, you must learn the language,” he argues.

Manoj adds, “You will be surprised to know, 20 years back, I didn’t have to struggle to get my script in Devanagari. Today, it’s a struggle because 98% actors read Hindi lines written in English. Without defending our weaknesses, we need to look within and correct those areas.”

Talking about the advice he once gave an aspiring actor, he said, “People like me who come from remote places, we have seen life. I once told an aspiring actor, ‘Train mein baitho aur ek saal Hindustan dekho. Mere gaon chale jao, mera ghar khulva doonga. Stay there. That’s where you will learn about relationships as you will talk to common people’. For me, that experience will teach you more than any acting school.”