I was never after superstardom, it is not something that you plan on achieving: Manoj Bajpayee

Manoj Bajpayee is also known as the streaming superstar has given some brilliant performances. ‘The Family Man’ has catapulted him into a new realm of fame. 

In a recent candid talk with a leading news portal, Bajpayee reveals why he is reluctant to accept the tag of a superstar, the kind of projects he wants to be a part of, and more.

You have added another National Award to your kitty after the last time we spoke to you in 2020. How does it feel?

It always feels great to be honored and respected at that level. I also felt very happy for my director Devashish Makhija and all the producers who have put so much faith in the film ‘Bhonsle’ and our conviction. So it was like poetic justice for me.

Although there was a controversy over whether the subject around which season 2 revolves will be handled appropriately, it was able to do justice without hurting any sentiments. Do you feel people in India have become a bit intolerant towards cinema’s reflection of society?

Without even watching a frame of it, people just assume that there is going to be something that will be offensive to them. Without caring to see the whole thing, they just chose to go ahead and get into the mode of intimidation. They instill fear in the minds and hearts of creative people.

I was not afraid but it pained me. When the series was released, everyone’s questions were answered, and then everything was alright. Although all this was unnecessary, I am happy that at the end of the day, they were happy with the content. I agree though that sometimes our creative interpretations do not match the opinion of a few people. But that doesn’t mean that we are here to offend people. At the end of the day, it is just a creative piece. It is up to you to decide if you want to watch it or not. And that is your right.

You are being touted as the streaming superstar of India today. How does that make you feel?

I was never after superstardom. It is not something that you plan on achieving. It has happened to people without them realizing. I am happy that all the independent films, OTT films, middle-of-the-road cinema, short films, and the OTT series – whatever I have been doing over the years, most of them found some takers in the audience. I have always been getting a lot of love from the work that I have done.

On the work front, Manoj Bajpayee will be seen next in the investigative thriller Despatch.