19th June 2023, Mumbai: Manoj Bajpayee, the acclaimed Indian actor known for his versatile performances, recently made an interesting revelation regarding his feelings of jealousy towards his fellow actors. Despite being in the same industry and often competing for similar roles, he confessed that he was never envious of the late Irrfan Khan. Instead, if he were to feel jealous, it would have been towards another iconic actor, Shah Rukh Khan, with whom he shared a personal connection from their Delhi days.
In a candid interview on the YouTube channel Unfiltered with Samdish, Manoj Bajpayee expressed that he did not know Irrfan Khan on a personal level and that their approach to the craft of acting was “completely different.” He acknowledged that the question of jealousy was valid, drawing a parallel with the legendary actors Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri, who were known for their parallel movement in Hindi cinema during the 1970s and 1980s. Despite being rivals, Shah and Puri admired each other’s work and openly praised one another.
Reflecting on Naseeruddin Shah’s admission of envy towards Om Puri’s performance in Govind Nihalani’s cult cop drama “Ardh Satya” (1983), Manoj Bajpayee admitted that he too desired the titular character Irrfan played in Vishal Bhardwaj’s acclaimed gangster film “Maqbool” (2003).
Manoj shared an intriguing anecdote from his pursuit of the role in “Maqbool.” Initially, actor Kay Kay Menon was cast for the role, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the film was put on hold, and when it was about to resume shooting, Kay Kay became unavailable. Determined to portray the character, Manoj reached out to Vishal Bhardwaj multiple times, pleading for the opportunity. However, Vishal was initially reluctant, as Manoj had already portrayed a gangster, Bhiku Matre, in the critically acclaimed film “Satya” (1998).
The actor emphasized that he and Irrfan Khan had always shared a mutual respect for each other’s work. He acknowledged that he has learned a great deal from his contemporaries, including Irrfan, Kay Kay Menon, Vijay Raaz, and others.
While Manoj Bajpayee achieved widespread recognition and acclaim for his performances in Anurag Kashyap’s “Gangs of Wasseypur” (2012) and Raj & DK’s spy thriller series “The Family Man” (2019), he also shed light on the challenges faced by Indian actors, including himself, in the industry. Despite his success and international recognition, he revealed that actors like him are often treated as “cheap labor” even by streaming platforms. He expressed disappointment over not receiving the financial remuneration that he believes he deserves for his contributions to hit international shows like “The Family Man.”
Manoj Bajpayee’s statement about not feeling jealous of Irrfan Khan but rather of Shah Rukh Khan sheds light on the complexities and personal dynamics that exist within the film industry. It emphasizes the importance of personal connections and shared experiences in shaping the relationships and perceptions among actors. Moreover, it highlights the challenges faced by talented actors like Bajpayee in receiving their due recognition and compensation.
As the film industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to address these issues and create a fair and inclusive environment that values the contributions of all actors, regardless of their background or personal connections. The revelations made by Manoj Bajpayee serve as a reminder of the intricacies of the acting profession and the diverse journeys undertaken by each individual actor.
-by Kashvi Gala