Manoj Bajpayee is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished actors in Hindi cinema, celebrated for his remarkable performances in projects like The Family Man, Gangs of Wasseypur, Gulmohar, and Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai. At the age of 55, he has carved a distinctive niche for himself in the industry. However, his journey to stardom was anything but smooth. After years of relentless dedication and struggle, Bajpayee achieved his breakthrough in 1998.
His portrayal of Bhiku Mhatre in Ram Gopal Varma’s crime drama Satya proved to be a turning point in his career. The film, a commercial and critical success, redefined Bollywood’s approach to storytelling and transformed Bajpayee’s career. His performance earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role and catapulted him to fame, making him a household name.
Despite the acclaim and recognition, Manoj Bajpayee recently admitted that adjusting to the sudden success was not easy. The attention and lifestyle that came with it often left him feeling out of place, particularly in high-end settings like five-star hotels. He even grappled with imposter syndrome, struggling to reconcile his newfound fame with his modest beginnings. It was a conversation with fellow actor Akshaye Khanna that ultimately helped him come to terms with his success.
In an interview, Manoj Bajpayee recounted the advice that left a profound impact on him. Akshaye Khanna told him, “Manoj, why are you feeling so guilty about your success? Own it.” This simple yet powerful statement resonated deeply with Bajpayee. He explained how, at the time, he often felt as though he didn’t belong in the world of luxury and stardom. “Whenever I sat in my car, it felt like it belonged to someone else,” he shared, reflecting on his discomfort. For 25 years, he had lived without experiencing such recognition, making it difficult for him to embrace the sudden change. “People ask me, ‘Are you comfortable with the attention you are getting?’ No, how can I be?” he admitted candidly.
Bajpayee’s journey serves as a testament to his resilience and talent, showing how even after achieving fame, adapting to a new reality can be as challenging as the struggle that precedes it.
