Over the years, Manoj Bajpayee has carved out a reputation for taking on diverse roles and gravitating toward stories that defy the ordinary. Though his body of work spans commercial blockbusters, OTT platforms, and indie productions, he admits that his true passion lies in projects that push his creative boundaries. In a recent conversation, the actor opened up about how his choices have evolved over time and why he continues to gravitate toward independent and middle-of-the-road cinema, despite big-budget mainstream offers still coming his way.
What drives Manoj Bajpayee’s film choices
In a candid conversation with Hindustan Times, Manoj opened up about what drives his film choices and it turns out, it all comes down to personal fulfillment. When asked if his lean toward independent cinema was a deliberate move, the actor didn’t hesitate. “Actually, if I tell you that, you will not believe it, mera mann lagta hai,” he said, revealing that the real thrill for him lies in leaving even his closest ones stunned. “I enjoy my performance a lot when I am doing something such that even those near me are surprised, like ‘Is this Manoj Bajpayee?’ It’s a kick,” he shared. That rush of surprising people, he explained, is the very force that steers him away from the mainstream. “So for that kick, I do middle-of-the-road cinema or independent cinema,” Bajpayee added.
Manoj Bajpayee admits the comfort of big-budget films is real
Bajpayee didn’t shy away from acknowledging the allure of big-budget productions either, admitting that such offers land on his plate quite frequently. “Mere paas mein big budget film bahut aati hain,” he said. With a touch of humor, he painted a rather comfortable picture of what working on a mainstream project can look like — a far cry from the grind of performance-heavy indie films. “Aapko jaana hai. Badhiya si van mein baithoonga. Acchi-acchi cheez order karoonga. Kya stress lene ki zaroorat nahi hai?” (You have to go. I’ll sit in a nice place and order some great things. There’s no need to stress, is there?) he quipped, poking fun at the relatively laid-back atmosphere that big productions can sometimes offer. He even went on to describe stretching 40 or 50 days on certain commercial ventures as “ek tareeke ki picnic hogi” — though he was quick to add that no matter the project, treating work casually was never something he’d allow himself to do.
Manoj Bajpayee says hard work is non-negotiable
The actor made it clear that he never compromises on hard work, no matter how big or small the film is. “No, of course, I will work hard. Jab shot aayega toh mehnat karoonga hi. Mehnat karna mere DNA mein hai,” (No, of course, I will work hard. When the opportunity arises, I will definitely give it my all. Giving it my all is in my DNA) he said. However, the actor also opened up honestly about feeling the weight of years spent on intense and demanding roles. “The temptation is happening because I have invested so much in these films that I am getting a bit tired with age and with the intensity,” he admitted, giving a rare and honest peek into the exhaustion that comes with such a deeply committed career.
Manoj Bajpayee shines in Governor
Bajpayee is currently winning hearts for his work in Governor, a low-budget independent film helmed by Chinmay D. Mandlekar. Released in select theatres across India, the film features him in the role of S. Venkitaramanan, who served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. Set against the backdrop of India’s financial turmoil in the early 1990s, the story sheds light on the pivotal role Venkitaramanan played during one of the most critical chapters in the country’s economic journey.
