Happy Birthday Manoj Bajpai!

 

Welcome to the celebration of an actor who has given character-driven performances and is yet one of the most underrated actors of the industry. We're talking of none other than Manoj Bajpai!

 

Born in a small village of Bihar, Bajpai completed his basic education in Bettiah West Champaran, Bihar at K. R. (Khrist Raja) High School. He studied history at Ramjas College later followed by theater at Barry's Drama School upon being rejected from the National School of Drama. The talented actor is happily married to actress, Shabana Raza who goes by the name, Neha Bajpai.

 

Manoj originally began working as a teacher in Delhi, before starting his acting career in Swaabhimaan, a TV serial on Doordarshan. Bajpai's debut into the world of Bollywood was with Drohkaal (1994), though he remains uncredited for the role. He then went on to star in Bandit Queen (1994) in a small role, followed by other several small roles before getting the main lead in Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar (2000) opposite Tabu with Aditya Srivastava. He finally got his big break and recognition in Satya (1998) and from there onward his career got a new high. He has gone on to star in several successful movies where his role was considered exemplar, including Aks (2001), Zubeidaa (2001), Road (2002), Pinjar (2003), Veer Zaara (2004), Raajneeti (2010), Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), Gangs of Wasseypur Part 2 (2012) and Special 26 (2013).

 

In his career, Bajpai has won several awards. He won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for Satya (1998), the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for Shool (1999), and the National Film Award for Special Jury Award / Special Mention (Feature Film) for Pinjar (2003).

 

This year viewers can watch him as the host of the action thriller series Encounter on Sony Entertainment Television channel and on the big screen once again for Anjaan and Traffic along with Tevar (2015).

 

On his birthday here is a playlist of some of his top songs:

 

 

 

Writer: Shreya S.

Editor(s): Harjot D. & Hershi J.

Graphics: Virina R.