When Manoj Bajpayee was harassed for being different

Actor Manoj Bajpai may be basking in the success of his latest film "Gangs of Wasseypur", but he rues that the journey was not easy, saying there was a time when he was slammed for being different.

He appreciates the presence of filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap and Dibakar Banerjee for spearheading the change in moviedom.

"This film ('Gangs of Wasseypur') is very, very special for me for many reasons. Professionally, I believe in this kind of cinema, this is what gets me going," the 43-year-old said here in an interview.

"But sadly, when I started in 1993 with 'Bandit Queen', then 'Satya' in 1998, Anurag Kashyap was still assisting in writing and Dibakar Banerjee was not there in the industry...I was the only actor and there was no filmmaker other than Ram Gopal Varma. So, yes, I have been harassed, abused, I have been thrashed. I have taken all the abuses. But today, I am very happy that these filmmakers are there," he added.

Known for his versatile roles in films like "Satya", "Shool", "Aarakshan", "Pinjar", "Raajneeti" and more, Manoj is happy that times have changed and sheer ability of any actor gets him work.

"I am very happy that after this film there is so much of talent that is going to get so much of work, so much of recognition because of their ability. They are making so much of news like Richa Chaddha, Huma Qureshi," said Manoj.

"You haven't seen much of Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Just wait for part 2 of ('Gangs of Wasseypur') and everyone will go gung-ho about this guy," he added.

"Gangs of Wasseypur Part 2" hits theatres Aug 8.

Meanwhile, Manoj is working in "Chittagong", "Chakravyuh" and "Shootout At Wadala".