Manoj Bajpayee Shares Feeling Like An 'Impostor' Post-Satya Stardom: 'Akshaye Khanna Knocked Sense Into Me'
Ram Gopal Varma's cult gangster drama Satya is set to re-release in theaters, reigniting memories of its massive impact on Manoj Bajpayee's career.
Ram Gopal Varma's cult gangster drama Satya is set to re-release in theaters, reigniting memories of its massive impact on Manoj Bajpayee's career. In an interview with Mid-Day, the actor reflected on his struggles with newfound stardom after Satya and how a conversation with Akshaye Khanna helped him navigate those challenges.
Manoj Bajpayee on adjusting to fame after Satya
Satya’s critical and commercial success not only brought Manoj Bajpayee national fame but also earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. However, the actor revealed he had difficulty coping with the sudden spotlight. “I wasn’t comfortable with all the attention and privileges. Whenever I went to five-star hotels or sat in my car, it felt like I was sitting in someone else's car,” Manoj shared.
Akshaye Khanna's advice that shifted his perspective
A conversation with Akshaye Khanna helped Manoj rethink his approach to success. Recalling the moment, he said, “It was Akshaye who said, ‘Manoj, why are you feeling so guilty about your success? Own it.’
That conversation really knocked some sense into me. You have not seen all of this for such a long time that you’re not used to it. People ask me, ‘Are you comfortable with the attention that you are getting?’ No, how can I be? I am very nice and polite to them, but to expect me to be comfortable? No. For 25 years, I hadn’t gotten that attention. By the time I became a star, all others had been stars for 30 years or so. They wouldn’t know anything else.”
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Manoj Bajpayee's journey
Hailing from a small village in Bihar, Manoj Bajpayee dreamed of becoming an actor from a young age. Despite facing years of struggle and minor roles, his breakthrough came with Satya. Since then, he has delivered memorable performances in films such as Gangs of Wasseypur, Special 26, Satyameva Jayate, and Baaghi 2. He has also made a mark in the OTT space with hit series like The Family Man and Killer Soup.
Manoj will reprise his role as Srikant Tiwari in the third season of The Family Man, alongside Priyamani, Ashlesha Thakur, and Sharib Hashmi. Joining the cast this season is Jaideep Ahlawat. The show is set to release on Amazon Prime Video during Diwali 2025.
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