Introduction

Manoj Bajpayee, the Indian film actor possesses a high level of caliber and dedication toward the film industry. Born in Belwa, a small village in Narkatiaganj, Bihar. Manoj Bajpayee is famous for his valuable contribution and unmatchable performances not only in Hindi cinema but also in Telugu and Tamil language films. Manoj Bajpayee aspired to be an actor since childhood. He, therefore, continued to do theatre while studying in college, to polish his acting skills. Manoj Bajpayee’s first appearance on the big screen was with a one-minute role in Drohkaal (1994). In the same year, he also played a small role as a dacoit in Shekhar Kapur’s directed, Bandit Queen. He did a few more roles in several films, but all of them failed to capture the attention of the producers and the directors. 

Ram Gopal Varma’s crime drama, Satya (1998), came in as a breakthrough for Manoj Bajpayee. His role as a gangster, named Bhiku Mhatre, brought much appreciation him. For Satya, Manoj Bajpayee was credited with the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor. Post this movie, Manoj Bajpayee acted in the films Kaun (1999) and Shool (1999). He was awarded with his second Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for his commendable work in the film Shool. Manoj Bajpayee is a proud recipient of two National Film Awards and four Filmfare Awards. In 2019, he was presented with India’s fourth highest civilian honor, The Padma Shri, for his invaluable contribution to the field of arts.

Early Life

Manoj Bajpayee was born in Betwa to Radhakant Bajpai. His father was a very simple man and was a farmer by profession, while his mother was a homemaker. Manoj Bajpayee is the second eldest among his five siblings. He earned his name, after the veteran actor Manoj Kumar. During his vacations, Bajpayee resorted to farming. Owing to a lack of funds, Bajpayee’s father could not invest much in his children’s education. Till grade four, Manoj Bajpayee attended a hut school. Thereafter, he went to Bettiah to complete his basic schooling. He completed his class 12 from Maharani Janaki College in Bettiah. At the age of seventeen, Manoj Bajpayee moved to New Delhi to gain further education.

He first went to Satyawati College and then to Ramjas College, Delhi University. After learning about the National School of Drama from actors such as Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah, he applied to the same. Manoj Bajpayee faced hard luck as he was rejected thrice by this premium institute. Post rejection, he attended Barry John’s workshop. Impressed by his acting, John hired Bajpayee as his teaching assistant. After this, Manoj Bajpayee, for the fourth time, applied at the National School of Drama and earned for himself a teaching position at the institute. In 2006, Manoj Bajpayee was married to actress Shabana Raza. The couple is the parents of a lovely daughter. Bajpayee calls himself spiritual and a believer in Lord Shiva.

Acting Career

Manoj Bajpayee, who imbibes within himself,” the ability to portray a lot just by doing little,” faced several downfalls during his period of struggle. In his early days of struggle, he was offered small roles and a couple of soap operas, but at a low fee. The turning point in his career came with the movie Satya which earned him recognition, awards, and new roles. In the wide span of twenty years in the film industry, Manoj Bajpayee has proved his versatility by playing some very dynamic roles. He has effortlessly delivered the roles of a gangster, CBI officer, politician, professor, prince, and other such challenging and vital roles. Manoj Bajpayee can be regarded as the King of expression as it is believed that his eyes express more than his words.

Filmography

The incredible talent of Manoj Bajpayee is worth praising and rewarding. He has been credited with Special Jury National Award for the film Pinjar (2003). The film Veer-Zaara (2004), in which Manoj Bajpayee played a supporting role, became the highest-grossing film of the year. Bajpayee starrer Gangs of Wasseypur premiered at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, Toronto Film Festival, and the Sundance Film Festival in 2013. Apart from acting, Bajpayee also provided the voice of Rama for the animated film Ramayana: The Epic.