May 19th 2024.
Manoj Bajpayee, the renowned actor from Mumbai, has had an incredible journey since his debut in 1994 with the movie 'Droh Kaal'. Over the course of three decades, he has worked in various genres, diverse films, and played a myriad of characters, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
As he gears up for the release of his 100th film, 'Bhaiyya Ji', Manoj recently revealed the secret behind his unwavering passion for acting in an interview with IANS. In this movie, he returns to his roots in Bihar and takes on the role of a quintessential desi action hero. It may seem unusual for someone like Manoj, who is known for his powerful performances in parallel cinema, to play a massy action hero for his 100th film. When asked about this decision, he explained that he never really kept track of the number of films he has done. It was the director of 'Bhaiyya Ji', Apoorv Singh Karki, who brought it to his attention and they decided to make it a special occasion to mark his 100th film in the industry.
This is Manoj's second collaboration with Apoorv after their previous film, 'Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai'. When asked about what connects them as an actor-director duo, Manoj shared, "We both come from small towns, so we understand the dynamics of small towns and villages. There's no pretence between us, and I appreciate the simplicity and clarity with which he directs his films."
Recently, Devashish Makhija, who has worked with Manoj in critically acclaimed films like 'Bhonsle' and 'Joram', spoke about the financial challenges faced by the film industry. Manoj believes that the rise of OTT platforms has conditioned the audience to consume entertainment from the comfort of their homes, which has affected footfalls in the cinema halls. He said, "OTT has been a disruptor. During the lockdown, it was the only source of entertainment. With such a vast library of content available, people lost the habit of going to the cinemas. But now, as things are gradually getting better, footfalls in cinemas are also increasing. However, we still have a long way to go, and as artists, we need to think strategically and creatively to keep the audience engaged."
Manoj also shared his secret to staying curious and keeping the child alive within him, which is crucial for creating art. He said, "For me, the story of the characters I play is more important than my bank account. If you want to stay passionate about your craft, you have to constantly work on improving yourself rather than worrying about anything else."
'Bhaiyya Ji', produced by Bhanushali Studios Limited, SSO Productions, and Aurega Studios, is set to release on May 24. As we eagerly wait for this milestone film in Manoj's career, we can't help but admire his dedication and love for the craft of acting.
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