Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 25, 2020)

Unable to resist himself from penning down a few lines about the situation of migrants in our country during the Coronavirus crisis, actor Manoj Bajpayee took to Instagram recently, to express his thoughts. Ask what prompted him, and he says, “There is nothing to explain about the situation of migrants. But I know that each and everyone is quite troubled by the visuals they see on social media. That’s a thought that came to my mind. so I tried to explain what I am thinking.”

In fact, Bajpayee, 51, says that his problems seem meagre in front of the hurdles that the migrant workers are facing. He adds, “When I see visuals of migrants on the road, with little children and women, I feel I don’t have the right to crib, I feel small talking about my lockdown problems.”

Stuck in Uttarakhand for more than two months now, Bajpayee, along with his wife, Neha, and daughter Ava, were able to go trekking, until now, but he admits to having reached a saturation point. “Earlier, we would trek on nearby mountains, but you can’t keep doing that for two months. Then, Ava rescued six puppies, so we got busy with finding a home for them. They all got adopted, and these are the little victories one can celebrate, during this lockdown,” he says.

Meena Iyer (DNA; September 22, 2018)

It’s raining films for Manoj Bajpayee. The actor, who will complete 25 years in showbiz next year, is enjoying this phase where he is feted, felicitated and rewarded with mainstream fare like Satyameva Jayate to the hatke stuff like Love Sonia and Gali Guleiyan. Right now, Mumbai is more like a stopover port for the 49-year-old, who has been travelling the world with his work. And though home is where the heart resides, Manoj admits that he also has to adjust being a suitcase daddy sometimes.

Excerpts of our chat with the multi-talented artiste, who never fails to surprise.

It’s been a Manoj Bajpayee season; it began with Aligarh and continues to gather momentum, right?
The typical response would be that God has been kind. But then, that’s also the truth. You have been a part of this business for a long time, in fact, you were around, much before I arrived on the scene. You know the nature of this business. One never knows when one movie starts and how the ball keeps rolling. You need to find a reason for it, so you can repeat the same thing in the coming season. But it never happens. Over the 24 years that I have been here, I have come to only one conclusion; when it’s happening, be happy and celebrate. In this field, the lows are too many and the highs are too few. So if you don’t celebrate, you will miss the train (laughs). No matter how big a star you are, you will feel lonely, left out and miserable. But the best part is that when the high comes, it can either spoil you, ruin you or make you think that you’re the best.

You’ve been able to mix and match very nicely. After a Satyameva Jayate, you also had a Gali Guleiyan.
This year has been great for middle-of-the-road films. Missing is doing well on the digital platform, but sadly, it wasn’t distributed too well during its theatrical release. Gali Guleiyan, too, has managed to generate curiosity and become a talking point, by the grace of God. It’s an independent parallel film, there is no denying it. But once you sit through it, it will not leave you easily. I’m proud of it.

Considering the whirlwind it has been, how are you holding on to sanity? Obviously, you have your wife Shabana and daughter Ava Nayla at home...
The sanity of the experience lies in keeping yourself intact. I’ve been doing a lot of things.

You’re doing a digital series, too, with Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK.
Yes, we will be finishing it this month. It’s an amazing series about a middle-class guy, who tries to balance the demands of his job and family. He’s an intelligence officer and there’s this myth that they are like Superman. Through it, you understand what a government official working in the intel does, goes through and what happens to his family. There’s also a cultural difference as he’s from Benares while his wife is from South India and their children are studying in an English Medium school in Mumbai. So, you have three different cultures under one roof, failing and succeeding to strike a balance between both worlds. It’s a great subject and we’ve shot some amazing sequences.

Tell us about your experience with Love Sonia, though it’s a special appearance.
When it was first offered to me, I said no. It’s a pathetic character, I didn’t want to do it. I turned the complete black into some grey; that was my contribution. It’s a small role, but it stays with you. Director Tabrez Noorani, producer David Womark and I have put our minds to this character and have tried to make him look like a businessman who thinks he is a saviour of the girls. Pimp is too small a term for him, he is actually managing the racket or the mafia of human trafficking. He believes that he is a businessman and anyone who tries to ruin his job is in danger. We’ve given him a complete human look, and when he changes his colours, it baffles you as to how anyone can be such a chameleon. When you see his dark side, he is fearful and dangerous. On the other side, he is a father, mentor, guide and saviour of the girls. You see everything in him, but you can’t mess with his business as he calls it. I’m supporting the film because the issue is close to my heart. I fail to understand why in the world, none of the governments of any country could bring this into the forum of the United Nations and make it a global rule that people involved in human trafficking are given such a strict punishment that the message goes out to everybody.

Globally, films like Aligarh, Gali Guleiyan and now, Love Sonia have been earning you a lot of notices. How does that feel?
Demi Moore didn’t speak to me after Love Sonia. She was very chatty with me before it started. When Simi Garewal saw it in Melbourne, she said please don’t talk to me (laughs). So, I know for a few days, I’m going to lose some of my female fans because of the feelings my character evokes.

With your performances garnering international acclaim, are you looking at more opportunities in the West?
Yes, at the insistence of a few of my friends, I’m looking westwards. I’ve spoken to some and they have been selflessly working on finding a way to promote me. David is one of them. Tabrez is doing it in his way. Deepesh Jain, who is based in Los Angeles, is doing it for Gali Guleiyan. There are other friends in LA, and they have been at it, too. Also, because they love me as a performer, they feel I should find some work there.

How does being a suitcase daddy work for you? How does your daughter Ava Nayla react?
Since the last few months, I have been at home. My wife Shabana says this is what she likes. She knows that I will be coming home for a few months. It doesn’t matter if I’ll be leaving early morning and returning in the evening. So, it’s a good feeling. I’m loving it too. But now, they’re bored of me (smiles). That’s the life of an actor.

You’re looking leaner. Have you been hitting the gym and eating healthy?
Yes, I’ve been eating well, leading a very healthy life. I quit smoking 13 years ago and hard liquor as well. I used to have white wine earlier, but now I’ve quit that, too. For the last few months, I’ve been a teetotaller.

Has that been easy?
It’s very easy. In the 24 years that I have been an actor, you know how to switch off. I started believing that it was not all fluke, it was a lot of hard work. That’s the good feeling I have.

How good a driver are you considering you started late?
I’ve become a good and safe driver. I’ve been learning cooking also. I’m learning to become a good husband and a good father. When I’m at home, I try to be with my daughter. She shouts at me when I’m on my phone. She immediately says, ‘Papa, shut your phone.’ She demands my attention, which is good.

If others can want your attention, your daughter can also want it.
My daughter doesn’t want it, she grabs it (laughs).

Manoj Bajpayee on how his villain act in Love Sonia took a toll on him
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 23, 2018)

After playing a morally upright cop in the recently released Satyameva Jayate, Manoj Bajpayee is exploring the other end of the spectrum with his next release, Love Sonia. The actor admits that slipping into the character of Faizal — who is at the forefront of women trafficking — was a "hellish experience", given the dark nature of the subject.

"I have played negative characters before, but they weren't as evil as Faizal. Since the issue of women trafficking has always been close to my heart, I wanted to be part of the film. It's the most horrific crime happening in this world, and doing a film on it was my small way of fighting the issue. But it was hard to understand my character's logic and the motive behind his actions," says Bajpayee of his role in the drama, that has done the rounds of several international film festivals, including Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and London Indian Film Festival.

Having essayed a variety of roles in his over-two-decade-long career, Bajpayee insists that playing a negative character with conviction serves as the true test of an actor's skills. He adds that understanding the twisted mind of Faizal took a toll on him. "I have gone through hell to portray some of the sequences. My character is so evil that at times, I just wanted to disassociate myself from the project. Love Sonia is one of the most complex roles that any actor could get; it pushed me to the brink of a breakdown."

While the Tabrez Noorani-directed venture, which also features Richa Chadha, Freida Pinto and Mrunal Thakur, is being applauded in the international circuit, Bajpayee jokes that he will have to face his biggest critic in wife Neha. "At this point of time, I don't want to show it to Neha. She's a feminist, and I know that she will be disturbed for many days after watching the film."

Manoj Bajpayee on his upcoming action-thriller and how he is ready to direct a film now
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 11, 2018)

After almost a month-long holiday in Los Angeles with actress-wife Neha and daughter Ava, Manoj Bajpayee is back in the city, gearing up for the release of Nikkhil Advani’s action thriller Satyameva Jayate. “This break was long overdue. My daughter’s vacation was on and we wanted to go where we hadn’t been before. We explored the City of Angels and had a blast,” beams the actor who enjoys spending time with his family and even helps with the household chores. “I also like to read, watch films and shows, and work out a bit.”

Getting back to work, the actor admits that the primary reason behind signing Satyameva Jayate, besides his role of DCP Shivansh, was the producer. “It is a story about two opinionated characters intelligently trying to outdo each other. I hadn’t done a massy commercial film in a while and this one was perfect. One doesn’t need to dig too deep to understand what’s happening,” reasons the National Award winning actor.

Is hardcore violence the way to tackle corruption and molestation, you wonder, and he agrees there are better ways. “But it’s not a filmmaker’s job to give solutions or show the right way. He is just telling a story from any character’s perspective. In our film, one character is bound by duty and the other does not believe in that person’s duty and so the conflict. What is right and wrong is for people and the law to decide, not filmmakers,” states Manoj, adding that being a peaceful person he could identify with the DCP.

The actor who turned producer with Mukul Abhyankar’s 2018 psychological thriller Missing is now producing Bhonsle which revolves around a retired head constable. “It’s a script that I’ve been a part of for four-and-a-half years. When I couldn’t find a producer for it, I became one of the producers myself as it’s an important story that needs to be told. We’ll do the rounds of the film festivals and then release it theatrically next year,” he informs, adding that there are no other productions on his platter at the moment and he’d want to direct now. “The thought keeps crossing my mind but so far the acting offers have been so tempting that I couldn’t think about it seriously. But if there is a script that forces me to take a plunge, I’ll go for it.”

He will next be see in Love Sonia,a film about child-trafficking. “It’s shaped up well,” he smiles with satisfaction. There’s also Gali Guliyan co-produced by his Satyameva Jayate co-star Amruta Khanvilkar’s husband Himmanshoo A Malhotra. “It is an internationally acclaimed film that has won several awards. I play a mechanic from Chandni Chowk whose psychological journey’s been the most difficult to portray but it’s also my best performance,” he raves.

An admirer of Abhishek Chaubey, Manoj is happy to have worked with the director in his next daku drama, Son Chiriya, also featuring Sushant Singh Rajput and Bhumi Pednekar. He plays a dacoit. “I have seen Ishqiya, Dedh Iskqiya and Udta Punjab only for Abhishek and loved them. What a director and storyteller! Also, a great human being, someone I’d like to hang out with,” he says.

Actor Manoj Bajpayee on friendships, marriage and his journey in B’town
Deebashree Mohanty (TIMES LIFE; June 10, 2018)

Your idea of a perfect day...
When I wake up at 5 am, spend time with my wife (Shabana aka Neha) and daughter (Ava) over chai nashta, and head out for a shoot. On an ideal day, the shoot should last till about 8 pm, and then I should come back home to simply chill.

And your idea of chilling is...
Usually with family and friends, eating Thai food. Although these days, we have taken a liking to Chinese cuisine because my daughter dotes on it.

Is it a Herculean task to have friendships in Bollywood?
I don’t think so. It’s people who complicate matters. You are a friend till the moment you become too self-indulgent. But if you can focus on the other person (your friend), his/her achievements, grief and journey; you’ll stay a friend. But how many of us do it? We keep gloating about our laurels, talking about our struggles…

Is your affable nature a reason for your strong marriage?
Oh no! Marriage is a completely different ball game. The secret to a happy marriage is only known to God and it’s a closely-guarded secret. Sometimes, people think they are doing all the right things but the relationship goes awry. You can’t afford to take your partner for granted ever; that’s what I’ve learnt. And Shabana has been a patient partner through my good and bad days. She is that support system who would pull me up for doing a bad role or a movie just because I had to fend for the family.

What are you working towards now?
Thankfully, I am a man of very few needs. The most expensive thing that I have ever bought for us is the apartment we live in. If I bought expensive jewellery or perfumes for my wife, she would think I have gone crazy. Give me an amount which I require for life and I will be a happy man. As long as my family can live a comfortable life, I would prefer good roles over hefty pay packets. If I had that luxury, I would limit my work simply because I’m very lazy.

How has your relationship been with Mumbai?
I am not cut out for big cities at all. I want to go back to my village (in Bihar), employ two boys to attend to calls, take printouts of the script for me to read and finalise upon. I would just travel for work. Unfortunately, it’s just a dream.

How would you suggest one keeps in touch with inner self?
By closing your eyes and not thinking about anything. Try doing this for 5 minutes every day. I call this my theory of nothing! It detoxes my mind.

What has changed in the industry since Satya?
A lot has changed. You are talking to Manoj Bajpayee; that is the biggest change. I don’t think anyone would have bothered to give a second look to me if the industry hadn’t progressed. Young actors have created a niche space for themselves. They may not be making the same kind of moolah as the bigger stars but everyone has work, which is good.

Do you think the struggle for newcomers is not as tough?
I envy Rajkummar Rao. He is a good friend and an extremely talented actor. But I do feel he has entered the industry at the right age and right time. He has so much to choose from whereas we had to struggle for a good role even of a few minutes.

QUICK TAKE

A director you’d love to work with…
Mexican film director Alejandro González Iñárritu. His films are quite edgy.

Snapchat, Instagram or Twitter?
Twitter... because it only allows you to say a few words.

How important is travel?
Travel is a great education. It teaches social skills and gets you into the habit of exploring.

Next stop
LA and San Francisco.

Detox food
Khichdi, any day.

One film you wish you were a part of in recent times?
Kenneth Lonergan’s Manchester by the Sea. Casey Affleck has played his character beautifully.

Movies that aspiring actors should watch
Mughal-e-Azam, Saheb Biwi Aur Ghulam, Kagaz Ke Phool… as many times as possible.

Films every movie enthusiast should watch
Godfather 2, On The Waterfront, any film by Martin Scorcese.

Meena Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 14, 2017)

Roshni Olivera (BOMBAY TIMES; March 26, 2017)

The actor on his back-to-back releases, two international projects, actress-wife Neha’s comeback and doing a film to pay off a debt
Meena Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 17, 2017)


You have Naam Shabana on March 31 and Sarkar 3 on April 7. Overkill or overjoyed?
This hectic phase began last year and I’m liking it. Hansal Mehta’s Aligarh and Soumendra Padhi’s Budhia Singh – Born to Run made a huge impact globally though in my opinion they were distributed sparsely in India. Then, there was Sanjeev Sharma’s Saat Uchakkey, which I think was a smart comedy. I also did three shorts — Devashish Makhija’s Tandav, Shirish Kunder’s Kriti, and Ouch, directed by Neeraj Pandey, all of which created the required impact. I begin the year with Naam Shabana directed by Shivam Nair, whom I have known through his association with Imtiaz Ali and Neeraj. I’m glad we found common ground with this film.

Couldn’t you have timed the two releases slightly better?
I have never used strategy in life because I strongly believe in destiny. If I was a strategist, I would’ve requested Mr Amitabh Bachchan (co-star) or Mr Ram Gopal Varma (director of Sarkar 3) to give at least a two-week gap between the two releases. Then again, since I am only in a cameo in Sarkar 3, I need not worry. My scenes in it are dear to me and Ramu was ecstatic with the result.

Before Neeraj’s production Naam Shabana, my relationship with him began with Special 26 (2013). He sends me every script he writes and we discuss it at length, whether I’m in it or not. Both of us have mutual admiration and respect for each other. The script is nail-biting. Once I chose the role that I wished to play, Neeraj worked on it, making it so much more interesting. This character is completely cold-blooded. But most of the activity in the film is centered on Taapsee Pannu, whose character is all about girl power.

After two-and-a-half decades in the industry, what are the criteria for you to choose a film?
I have been around for 23 years and I have seen more downs than ups. I thank God and my directors for keeping me going. Taking stock of it all, I would say that earlier I had a more cut-throat attitude. The role and the script were the only criteria for choosing a film. Now, I do films based on my emotional connect with a filmmaker. Since I have a relationship with guys like Neeraj or Ramu (Satya, Kaun), I’m happy working with them. I have done so much work; I do not feel the need to be careful with my choices anymore.

Word on the street is that you recently wrapped up two international projects. Is that true?
It is true. Both the films are interesting. Love Sonia is produced by David Womark (who’s previously produced Life of Pi). It is about women trafficking in India and is in Hindi. The second one has an international producer but is in Hindi too. We are hoping to find studios with good networks to distribute them.

Have you ever done a film only because of a hefty paycheck?
Money cannot tempt me but I must not lie. Just once in my entire career, I have done a film primarily for the money because I needed to pay off a bank loan. I am a farmer’s son and I have a phobia of loans since childhood. I have seen my father running away at the sight of bank officials because he had taken a loan for his tractors and they would give him constant reminders about it. I’m happy driving my small car. I also have a luxury car but I hate using it because when I sit in it, I feel as if it owns me. Tomorrow, if I make enough money, I will have a branded car and a villa. But today, I see no reason to go work exclusively to acquire a Mercedes. I prefer a less complicated life.

Your wife is planning a comeback?
Yes, Neha (Shabana) is an actor and she will be back in front of the camera. (Casting director) Mukesh Chhabra had offered her a fantastic role in a big film. However, our daughter Ava needs her more right now. So Shabana has decided to wait it out for a bit. You see, Ava trusts her mother more as the primary caretaker than she trusts me. She is more demanding of her mum. The day we find some kind of a support system for Ava, Shabana will be in the studios. She did an ad a year ago. Currently she is a hands-on mother because she feels that is more important. When she does ads, Ava travels with her.

Will we see the two of you in a film?
Maybe. Actually, why not?

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 30, 2017)

MUMBAI MIRROR (January 21, 2017)

Nine years after she was seen in Sanjay Gupta’s Acid Factory and eleven years after she tied the knot with powerhouse performer Manoj Bajpayee, Neha (previously known as Shabana Raza) is reported to be seriously considering to make an acting comeback.

Speculation is rife that the 41-year-old actress, who has maintained a low profile since her 2006 nuptials, may end her sabbatical with Rajkumar Hirani’s Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Sanjay Dutt biopic, which is currently being filmed in Mumbai. Neha is said to be playing the 57-year-old actor’s wife, Manyata.

A Vidhu Vinod Chopra discovery, Neha had made her big screen debut opposite Bobby Deol in Kareeb (1998).

While RK plays the titular character, Anushka Sharma, who last paired up with him in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, will be seen in the role of a journalist. His Saawariya costar Sonam Kapoor is on-board to play a love interest from Dutt’s younger days. Paresh Rawal will be seen as Dutt patriarch Sunil, even as sources inform that hunt is currently on for an actress to play Nargis.

Neha remained unavailable for comment till the time of the story going to press.