Manoj Bajpayee: “Gangs Of Bollywood Expect You To Be In Their Good Books”

It’s been over two decades in Bollywood for Manoj Bajpayee, and yet the acclaimed actor finds it impossible to adjust to the fact that outsiders are expected to be in the good books of the industry’s “gangs”, whether they offer work or not.

Manoj made his feature film debut with a small role in Govind Nihalani’s 1994 film “Drohkaal“. His breakthrough role was the gangster Bhiku Mhatre in Ram Gopal Varma’s 1998 crime drama, “Satya”.

The National Award-winning actor explains why he maintains all along that Bollywood is an impossible industry for outsiders. “It’s an impossible industry for outsiders and if you are a girl trying to get in from outside then it is all the more impossible, because there are gangs and groups here, and they expect you to be in their good books all the time, whether they give you work or not,” Manoj told IANS.

Over two decades, Manoj has carved a niche for himself with his performances in films such as “Shool”, “Kaun?“, “Zubeidaa”, “Pinjar” and “Gangs Of Wasseypur” among many others. He points out that the industry can be a difficult place for those who don’t play by its rule.

“If you are a person who believes in ability and hard work and not surrendering to peoples’ whims and fancies, then it is quite an impossible industry,” he added.

“When I entered Hindi films, it was very difficult (because) conventional, commercial and formula films were really ruling the roost (at that time). Coming here and travelling so many years, and having a little bit name for yourself is quite a miracle. That is why I say it is quite an impossible industry,” he added.

With his work in films like “Satya” and “Shool”, it would not be incorrect to say that Manoj has open the floodgates for several other talents, such as Irrfan Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Does he think that they have managed to break the dominance of the commercial stars?