From Bhiku Mhatre to Srikant Tiwari, Manoj Bajpayee has come a long way. Once upon a time, he was rejected by an assistant director - he was then told to go back to where he came from. But now the three times recipient of the National Award, Manoj Bajpayee has won over the audiences and critics alike with his stellar work. He recently opened up about his journey in Bollywood in a conversation with Hindustan Times.
Recalling the days of struggle in Bollywood, Manoj Bajpayee said, “It has definitely not been a bed of roses. When you read these interviews, it says so much about the journey also. Some day, I will write my autobiography, then you will come to know what it was like. You can’t really sum it up in a 15-minute interview. All I will say is that I had quite a lot of ups and downs, it was a roller-coaster ride. I would never wish that anybody else gets into my shoes because 25 years have only been a struggle to get films and good roles.”
Though his portrayal of Bhiku Mhatre in Satya was loved by all, it did not make him a star overnight. Manoj Bajpayee, by his own admission, faced a lot of politics and personal attacks on him.
“What is bygone is bygone but at the same time, the industry has been a very competitive and cutthroat one. Anybody who is trying to come up with loads of self-respect and belief in his dreams, there will be people who will turn into enemies. They will expect you to work according to their dreams but in the manner I have been brought up, I was not ready to live their dreams, I was only here to live my own. It all clashed. Finally, I survived for 25 years in this industry,” Manoj added. ALSO READ: Manoj Bajpayee To Finish Shooting For Kanu Bhel's Film Dispatch In October:" I've Just Six-Seven Days Of Shooting Left," Says The Actor -EXCLUSIVE
Finally living the life he aimed at, Manoj said, “I am trying to evolve as an actor and person all the time, learning new tricks of the craft, honing my skills and trying to be a part of new storytelling. This is what I have always done and what I am doing right now. I am quite happy that by the grace of God, my journey has been miraculous. I survived all the politics, the blind items, all kinds of powerful opposition, and I am here. And I will be here till I would like to be. I am a tough nut to crack."
Manoj Bajpayee will next be seen in Rensil D’Silva’s Dial 100 as a cop. His character's life in the film goes for a toss after he receives a distress call from an unknown lady. Also starring Neena Gupta and Sakshi Tanwar in key roles, the film is set to premiere on August 6 on Zee5. ALSO READ: Dial 100: "I Always Look Up To Her, Sharing The Credit With Her Is An Absolute Honour," Says Manoj Bajpayee On Working With Neena Gupta- EXCLUSIVE
Image Source: Instagram/bajpayee.manoj