Manoj Bajpayeee Says He ‘Felt Out Of Place’ Visiting 5-Star Hotels
Manoj Bajpayee, one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated actors, has a story of perseverance that began with multiple rejections from the National School of Drama. Despite the setbacks, Bajpayee’s unwavering childhood dream of becoming an actor kept him pushing forward. Early roles in films like Bandit Queen and Drohkaal marked his modest beginnings, but it was the 1998 crime drama Satya that catapulted him to fame and critical acclaim.
In a recent interview, Bajpayee opened up about the challenges of navigating sudden success. The actor revealed that after Satya’s massive success, he struggled to adjust to the trappings of stardom, such as visiting 5-star hotels or even sitting inside his own car. “I felt out of place,” Bajpayee admitted to Mid-Day. However, a timely piece of advice from actor Akshaye Khanna helped him embrace his achievements.
Khanna’s words—“Manoj, why are you feeling so guilty about your success? Own it.”—resonated deeply with Bajpayee. Reflecting on that phase, the Gangs of Wasseypur actor shared, “I wasn’t used to the attention. For 25 years, I hadn’t experienced anything like it.” Even today, Bajpayee candidly admits he remains uncomfortable with the spotlight, saying, “It’s nice for others to think I’m comfortable, but I’m not.”
Satya not only earned Bajpayee widespread recognition but also the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. The film’s critical and commercial success solidified his place in the industry, transforming him into an overnight star.
On the work front, the veteran actor continues to deliver powerful performances. In 2024, he appeared in The Fable, Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout, Bhaiyya Ji, and Despatch. He also starred alongside Konkona Sen Sharma in the TV series Killer Soup. Fans of Bajpayee and the iconic Satya have more to look forward to, as Ram Gopal Varma’s classic is set for a re-release at PVR INOX on January 17, 2025.
From enduring rejections to becoming one of the industry’s finest, Manoj Bajpayee’s journey remains an inspiring testament to perseverance and talent.
