5th April 2023, Mumbai: Manoj Bajpayee, known for his exceptional acting skills and versatile performances, rose to fame overnight after his iconic portrayal of Bhiku Mhatre in director Ram Gopal Varma’s gangster drama Satya in 1998. However, despite the massive success of Satya, Manoj faced challenges in finding suitable work in Bollywood due to his pickiness and refusal to conform to industry expectations.
After the success of Satya, Manoj revealed that he had a tough time finding roles that truly resonated with him. He turned down offers from some of the biggest producers in the industry, who were willing to offer him lucrative deals with suitcases full of money. However, Manoj’s refusal to compromise on his creative choices led to him making enemies in the industry.
“I realised that I don’t want to do what they are expecting me to do. All the offers that were coming my way weren’t something that I could fit myself into. Yes, the money was good. I had no money, and no work, and the biggest producers were coming to me. They came with suitcases full of money, and to say no to it was the toughest task I have ever faced. That was the time when egos were very big. People used to get offended very easily. And with every no, I was making more enemies,” Manoj shared in a candid conversation with film critic
Manoj further revealed that he felt exhausted and drained after working on films like Pinjar and 1971, and was forced to do films that he didn’t believe in, just to sustain his household expenses. During this time, he noticed the rise of actors like Irrfan Khan and Kay Kay Menon, who were becoming the first choice of filmmakers, while he struggled to find meaningful work.
“And I was nowhere. I had no work, I was down and out,” he added, highlighting the challenges he faced in the industry.
Despite these struggles, Manoj credited Ram Gopal Varma for his success in Bollywood. “I owe my career to him. We stay in touch. Sometimes, he calls me just to give me gaalis (abuse me). I did this music video Sapne Mein Milti Hai, I did it out of goodness. And he called me and said, ‘What have you done, the song’s remix is not good’. I told him, ‘Ramu, sometimes you do things for your friends’. He said ‘I know, I understand that; but why did you do it?’ If I get a call from him it is mostly because he is going to really blast me or criticise me. That is the kind of relationship I have with him.”
Manoj’s journey in Bollywood has been marked by his unwavering commitment to his craft and his refusal to compromise on his creative choices. Despite facing challenges and making enemies in the industry, he has carved a niche for himself as a powerhouse performer who continues to captivate audiences with his stellar performances