EXCLUSIVE: I was not getting respect from mainstream cinema: Manoj Bajpayee makes SHOCKING confession

Akash Bhatnagar

June 6, 2023
1:24 pm
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In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Bubble, Manoj Bajpayee recalled the time he had to find his own directors and not getting respect from mainstream cinema.

Manoj Bajpayee is one of hardest working actors in Bollywood. He has proved his versatility as an actor by taking up projects like Raajneeti, Aiyaary, Gulmohar to name a few. Recently, Manoj delivered a terrific performance in Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai. Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai released on an OTT platform and it received a good response from the masses. Manoj, who is basking in the success of the film, sat down for an exclusive interview with Bollywood Bubble.

Manoj Bajpayee recalls his old days

The actor got candid as he looked back on his initial career days. While today he is flooded with offers, there was a time he had to find his own directors. The actor told us, “The kind of roles I was getting offered in mainstream cinema, I was not very happy about it. I had to find ways to really satisfy myself and feel good about myself. So, independent cinema was there, shorts films were there. I have done four short films one after another and suddenly short films started buzzing. Independent cinema I had to look for my own directors. I have done so many and those films have got so much of international and national fame. The kind of recognition that I got in all the major films is complete maddening. I was very happy.”

Manoj-Bajpayee

He went on to add that his shift from commercial cinema was for his artistic satisfaction. The actor said, “It was never about the money, but it was always about the respect for me which I was not getting in mainstream cinema. I had to find my way. I had to find my own directors which I am very happy that I found.” Adding to that, he said that he’s quite happy with the choices he is making right now.

During the conversation, Manoj also opened up about insulting Amitabh Bachchan onscreen, having no work for a period of time and his daughter’s reaction to his latest release Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai.