Known for his versatility, Manoj Bajpayee has opened up about his struggling days when he shifted to Mumbai from New Delhi. In a new interview, the actor recalled the time when he had no money and food in the 90s. Manoj, who is busy promoting his upcoming film ‘Gulmohar’ shared that he started doubting his talent as he was turned away from everywhere during auditions. The Satya actor even revealed that he used to work 18 hours a day in the theatre without money.
During his appearance on YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s channel, Manoj stated, “It was a very bad phase of my life when I came from Delhi to Mumbai, I used to work 18 hours a day in Delhi without money, in theatre, but there was a creative satisfaction. Pata nahi hota tha ki khaana kaha se aayega (I did not know from where I would get my next meal from). I had no money, but God was kind. I was busy despite the starvation. But when I came here (to Mumbai), I had no work, no food, no money. I began to doubt my talent and myself, this was in the ’90s.”
He went on to reveal how he faced rejection at the beginning of his career due to his physical appearance. The 53-year-old actor mentioned that he was very weak physically and wherever he used to go, be it a set or a producer’s office, he was shown the door back then. ALSO READ: WHAT! Manoj Bajpayee Recalls Shah Rukh Khan Took Him To Visit Disco For The FIRST Time In Delhi; Says, 'Was In A Corner, Sipping On My Wine'
To note, Bajpayee’s portrayal of gangster Bhiku in Ram Gopal Varma's 1998 crime drama Satya earned him recognition. The film proved to be a breakthrough in his career. He is best known for delivering films like Pinjar, Gangs of Wasseypur, Raajneeti, Special 26, Bhonsle, the web series The Family Man, and others. His next project Gulmohar with Sharmila Tagore will soon release on Disney Plus Hotstar.