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.

Hiren Kotwani (DNA; August 5, 2018)

Patience and perseverance are among Manoj Bajpayee’s biggest strengths. After being rejected thrice by the National School of Drama, he proved to be so good at his craft that the same institute offered him a teaching position when he applied for the fourth time. Not surprising then that a majority of the roles he has played in his 24-year innings are considered memorable performances. What’s more, the two-time National Award winner has opened doors for several others and the younger generation of actors express gratitude for reaping the fruits of his labour. We catch up with the actor who will be seen next in this Independence Day release, Satyameva Jayate. Excerpts…

Apparently, it was the makers’ unanimous view that you were the best bet for the top cop’s role. What was your reaction when you heard the script?
Producer Nikkhil Advani and I had promised each other a long time ago that we would work together. I had refused his offers twice before. We’ve known each for more than two decades, since the time he was assisting Sudhir Mishra and I was struggling after Bandit Queen (1994). He was very fond of me and over a period of time, we became close friends. He is an amazing guy. When he offered this film to me, he said, ‘You’ll have to do it’.  So I took it up primarily for him. The second reason is the engaging manner in which the story is told, it’s a commercial film, something I do in four-five years. So, it’s a nice break for me, it’s an action-packed movie in which people will love the dialoguebaazi and the confrontations between John (Abraham) and me.

You’ve played a cop several times before, starting with Shool (1999) to Baaghi 2 in recent times. What sets this one apart from the previous ones?
If you give the uniform to 50 people, each one of them who wears it will be different from the other. So, it’s never the uniform, but the character. DCP Shivansh Rathod of Satyameva Jayate is an intelligent cop and it goes without saying that he’s not a corrupt guy. You can’t say anything illegal when he’s around. He won’t avoid the call of duty. You can’t beat him in mind games. At the same time, he’s an easy-going man. He’s chilled out, his family takes him for granted and he maintains a healthy atmosphere in his office, too. People are scared of him, but he’s also approachable. As for Baaghi 2, DIG Ajay Shergill was a bad person. He wanted to become powerful. I did the movie for director Ahmed Khan. You can’t see till near the end that my character is the bad guy. It was about seven-odd days of work. The film is a big hit, so I’m very happy for the team.

It’s been 24 years since you began your innings as an actor. How has the journey been?
It has been a roller-coaster ride. If you come to the industry when only commercial films are being made and you expect people to make something that you want to be a part of, it’s very difficult. It hasn’t been an easy journey. It’s very difficult to be in the shoes of Manoj Bajpayee. Look at the time when I arrived in the city, look at the rejection that followed. Yes, you will definitely enjoy the success of Satya (1998), but you will definitely not enjoy the waiting for the right film after that; the waiting used to be very long. You will never enjoy getting your first home seven years after Satya. The film became a huge hit and was widely accepted and Bhiku Mhatre was acclaimed. But I have been patient. And now, it’s all paying off.

Kay Kay Menon has said that it’s thanks to you that actors like him and Irrfan got work and you opened the doors for them with Satya. 
Yes, he says that. I really thank Ram Gopal Varma for all this — the manner in which he trusted me, gave me the roles and the freedom to perform them. I’m happy to have contributed immensely, as Kay Kay says, for actors to come after that. Look at the kind of films we’re making now, look at the actors who are being celebrated. You feel good about that.

Do you feel satisfied with the roles, subjects, films that came your way? 
I don’t think anyone else would be more satisfied. Of the 63-odd characters I have essayed, 50 have been reviewed well and talked about till date. Whether the films were hits or flops, these are the roles I’m remembered for.

Actors who have been around for long talk about the clear difference in the kind of films they were offered initially and which they get in their later years. Do you feel the same too?
After Satya, there were only commercial films that were being made, so I was being offered villainous roles. But I said no to them. After Kaun and Shool (1999), I was offered several cop roles, and again, I refused to play them. Then Zubeidaa (2001) happened, but most of the lead roles I was getting weren’t great enough. So you’ll see that between Satya and Pinjar (2003), I did hardly one film a year. I was choosy because I didn’t want to be a part of those commercial films. When I did Aks (2001), people wondered what I was doing. Today, the film is talked about and is called as one of my memorable performances. It was the same with Pinjar. While a few people asked me why I took it up, I remember Yash Chopra ji went gaga over the film and my performance in it. You may not get your due then, but you will definitely get your due in future. Just as it’s getting paid off for me now.

You also ventured into regional films…
I did two-three films in Tamil and as many in Telugu. And I did them only at the insistence of the directors. They were admirers of my work and wanted me to be a part of their movies.

That’s because you’re a fantastic actor and they know you will add credibility to the film and the role.
I don’t know about that. Barring Happy (2006) with Allu Arjun, none of the films were commercial successes. But I had a gala time shooting with those actors and directors. I got to see a different part of India, I’ll always cherish that time and it was an amazing experience.

The internet has also opened a new avenue for shorts, web series and even films.
Definitely. Short films have changed the platform. I did shorts like Taandav, Kriti and Ouch, which forced mainstream awards to have a category for Short Films. Now, I’m doing an Amazon Original Series, The Family Man, with Raj (Nidimoru) and (Krishna) DK.

Do you feel the web has opened up at the right time or it would have been better if it had come when you were refusing lopsided villainous roles?
That’s what I tell Rajkummar Rao, and it goes for Vicky Kaushal too, that they are here at the right time and the right age. I tell Rajkummar, ‘Hamari mehnat ka phal aap ko mil raha hai’ and he agrees with me. Vineet Singh of Mukkabaaz too says, ‘Aapne jo mehnat ki hai, hum ussi ka phal kha rahe hain’.

Don’t you feel bad that you couldn’t reap the fruit of your perseverance and efforts in time? Do you think you could have done anything differently?
How different could it be? When actors like you were not accepted, today, with your perseverance, patience and hard work, you’ve created a space not just for yourself, but for other actors like you too. I feel good about myself and definitely, my journey has benefitted many.

What’s next after Satyameva Jayate?
The Family Man and Gali Guliyaan/In The Shadows. The film has been acclaimed at various film festivals across the world, earned me awards and I’m dying to show it to audiences here. Next year, there is  Son Chiriya and Bhosale, of which I’m also one of the producers.

Having ventured into production, is direction also on the cards?
Let’s see... I’m still dabbling with the idea.