Manoj Bajpayee talk about his hardships to set foot in Bollywood

Mumbai: Recipient of 2 national awards, and Padma Shri, Manoj Bajpayee has been ruling the Bollywood like a star. He started his career with one minute role in Drohkaal, and then played a cameo in Bandit Queen in 1994. However, got a break and came to the limelight after doing a crime drama produced by Ram Gopal Verma, Satya. Satya earned him many accolades along with the national award for best actor in a supporting role. Recently Bajpayee talked to Humans of Bombay and shared his struggles to get through Bollywood.

Also read: Sanjana Sanghi’s last post hints about her exit from Bollywood

Let's Hear from Manoj Bajpayee

“I’m a farmer’s son; I grew up in a village in Bihar with 5 siblings–we went to a hut school. We led a simple life, but whenever we went to the city, we’d go to the theatre. I was a Bachchan fan & wanted to be like him. At 9, I knew acting was my destiny.”

Speaking about that his family wasn't aware that he left for DU, and started doing theatre, he says-

“Finally, I wrote a letter to dad–he wasn’t angry & even sent me Rs.200 to cover my fees! People back home called me ‘good for nothing’ but I turned a blind eye."

Bajpayee talked of having 'suicidal thoughts'

“I was an outsider, trying to fit in. So, I taught myself English & Hindi–Bhojpuri was a big part of how I spoke. I then applied to NSD, but was rejected thrice. I was close to committing suicide, so my friends would sleep next to me & not leave me alone. They kept me going until I was accepted.”

Struggled to meet basic needs

“Initially, it was tough–I rented a chawl with 5 friends & looked for work, but got no roles. Once, an AD tore my photo & I’ve lost 3 projects in a day. I was even told to ‘get out’ after my 1st shot. I didn’t fit the ideal ‘hero’ face–so they thought I’d never make it to the big screen. All the while, I struggled to make rent & at times even a vada pav was costly.”

Hunger in stomach didn't stop him

“But the hunger in my stomach couldn’t dissuade my hunger to succeed. After 4 years of struggle, I got a role in Mahesh Bhatt’s TV series. I got Rs.1500 per episode–my first steady income. My work was noticed & I was offered my first Bollywood film & soon, I got my big break with ‘Satya’.

And the success for Bajpayee finally

“That’s when the awards rolled in. I bought my first house & knew…I was here to stay. 67 films later, here I am. That’s the thing about dreams–when it comes to turning them into reality, the hardships don’t matter. What matters is the belief of that 9-year-old Bihari boy & nothing else."

Manoj's two big projects released on the digital platform this year, Mrs Serial Killer and Bhosle.

Also read:Choreographer Harshit Pawar founder of “Stage Vibe”