Never intended to be a hero, but a credible actor-Manoj Bajpayee

Manoj Bajpayee, who has proved his versatility as a performer on screen, says he never wanted to create an image like that of a mainstream Bollywood star. He was rather interested in establishing himself as a credible actor.

Asked if he ever tried to create a screen image, Manoj told IANS in an interview here: "No, I never did... Because that was not my aim. I never intended to be a hero but a credible actor. I also think that my driving force as an actor is to experiment with different roles.

"So when I choose a script, I make sure I am attempting something that I have never done before."

Whether it was a deadly gangster in "Satya", the police inspector in "Shool", a cunning politician in "Rajneeti", a prince in "Zubeidaa" or a homosexual professor in "Aligarh" -- Manoj has showcased his acting prowess in these myriad roles and more.

So how does he prepare for a role, especially when he is not familiar with the world of a fiction character?

Bajpayee said: "I think I have had an interesting and colorful life journey where I have met thousands of people from various walks of life. So whether a police officer, my friends, landlords, villagers, politicians or school teachers - I have come across many of them.

"Observing them has always given me an insight of characterisation. No one is a better teacher than life."

Born and brought up in a small village named Belwa in Bihar, Manoj moved to Delhi and picked the nuances of acting at the National School of Drama. In his initial days as an actor, he faced a struggle.

Now almost 70 films later, and after bagging two National Awards and three Filmfare Awards, does he lead a good life?

"Well, financially I am not a rich person, but I am doing good. I am leading a normal life, doing something that I enjoy doing the most - acting. There was a time when I did some films for money because I bought my house and had to pay off my loans.

"But I got very frustrated, so my wife told me not to take up projects that I do not believe in as that spoils domestic harmony," he said with a smile.

Does winning awards motivate him to do better work?

"I feel humbled receiving awards, so I thank them (who have honored me), but I do not feel disheartened if I don't get it. The day my remuneration and number of offered scripts will increase because of my award, perhaps I will start bothering too much about that. Till now, a good story is motivational for me."

credits: I.A.N.S

Aligarh was a beautiful film.

I've immense respect for him. I've started respecting him eve more after Aligarh. No one could've done what he did in in the film. It wasn't a caricature type gay character like we mostly used to get to see in BW. It really needs to have real guts & strength to do steamy scenes with male actors by putting your reputation at stake IMO. The concept was very sensitive & bold. Kudos to Hansal Mehta for handling this project in such a dignified way & for not making it look like creepy on-screen. What an amazing film & flawless performance by Manoj Bajpayee! Can't believe he didn't win any awards for this incredible performance not even single nomination. Anyways, Hope he wins NA this year. He's truly deserving unless BigB rigs it this year too through his influence! 😡

Originally posted by: NadanParindey

I've immense respect for him. I've started respecting him eve more after Aligarh. No one could've done what he did in in the film. It wasn't a caricature type gay character like we mostly used to get to see in BW. It really needs to have real guts & strength to do steamy scenes with male actors by putting your reputation at stake IMO. The concept was very sensitive & bold. Kudos to Hansal Mehta for handling this project in such a dignified way & for not making it look like creepy on-screen. What an amazing film & flawless performance by Manoj Bajpayee! Can't believe he didn't win any awards for this incredible performance not even single nomination. Anyways, Hope he wins NA this year. He's truly deserving unless BigB rigs it this year too through his influence! 😡

Originally posted by: .rasgulla.

He won the FF this year🤔

Shahid too won best actor critics! Then how's that credible. It should've been a solo win.

& out of so many award shows he only won one best actor award in just one award function. Rest of them royally ignored his performance that's what I meant to say!

I have not seen a film of his recently. But I remember watching a movie of his years ago, I forgot the name of it but I became a huge fan of him as an actor because of that one movie I have seen. It was about a chair that he's wife who was played by Juhi gives him and she dies in the movie but that chair becomes special gift for him. And the whole movie moves around that chair after he's son gets married. What a performance this guy Manoj gives. Amazing actor

Originally posted by: NadanParindey

Shahid too won best actor critics! Then how's that credible. It should've been a solo win.

& out of so many award shows he only won one best actor award in just one award function. Rest of them royally ignored his performance that's what I meant to say!

Yes Swami is the only movie I have seen of this guy. Amazing actor

😊I met him once when he had just got accolades for Satya. He was so shy and intimidated by the city and industry. He was very nice. I am glad he is doing well in industry.