Manoj Bajpai: Life pre and post Bhikhu Mahtre!

A: I had my heart set on acting since my school days, but I did not let my family into the secret. Later in life, when I was staying in a rented place at Mukherjee Nagar (Delhi) and was hooked to theatre, I was often advised by friends, who were preparing for UPSC exams, not to waste time on ‘natak-nautanki’. It was after I was rejected by NSD (National School of Drama) that I told my family that I wanted to be an actor! Subsequently, my grandfather did not speak with me for five days. Finally, I did get into NSD and began my journey in professional theatre. Even if NSD had rejected me 10 times, I’d still have been trying to become an actor.

 

Q: Was the move from theatre to cinema well planned?

A: There was little money in theatre. It was Shekhar (Kapoor) who told me that I could be financially comfortable without leaving acting only if I got into cinema. That advice gave me a direction and a concrete objective in life. Yes, it was a planned move. I was very clear about acting in films.
 

Q: Hindi film industry is obsessed with stars. How did you cope with Bollywood’s idiosyncrasies?

A:It’s important to understand that cinema sustains the art through an entirely commercial system. Box office success is a must even for a good actor. You cannot be there if you say, “Market does not understand my art; so I’ll stay at home”. It’s important to gauge the market and use it to create space for yourself. It is virtually impossible to refuse some roles that you really dislike because they give you the leeway to do roles that you will want to do. It’s a balance between commerce and art, which requires you to be a smart market participant. There are filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap and Vishal Bhardwaj who are creating new possibilities in the same system.
 

Q: What is the source of your energy? 

A: I gained strength through the journey I undertook to reach wherever I am today. I began this journey without any support and learnt to survive. One needs to have faith in oneself. I was also lucky to have received and taken some great advice, like Shekhar Kapoor telling me once that I must act to the best of my ability without a thought about the camera or anything else.

 

Q: How do you select roles?

A: I like characters that seem real and believable. Script has to be good. Then there are some directors who need actors like me. There are roles that are well defined. Prior to Satya, things were not in my control. Its success gave me the ability to select roles. 

 

Q: Any advice for aspiring actors?

A: Difficult question! I do not know the formula of success. But I’d caution them that if they are drawn to acting to earn great wealth or to become a celebrity, steer clear. There is just no guarantee. Even if you have to struggle, keep your confidence and be patient. True talent does get recognition.