“It’s an unpredictable, cut-throat industry”: Manoj Bajpayee

Every year, thousands of aspiring actors flock to Mumbai, the bustling “City of Dreams,” hoping to carve out a niche for themselves in the cutthroat film industry. Among them was Manoj Bajpayee, a fresh-faced youth from Bihar, who arrived nearly thirty years ago and has since become a celebrated figure in Indian cinema.

Bajpayee’s significant breakthrough came with the film ‘Satya’, marking the start of a prolific career that spans over 100 films, a testament to his enduring presence in Bollywood.

In a candid interview, Manoj recounted the uncertainties of his early days. “I was so unsure about ‘Satya’ that I didn’t even tell my parents or friends I was in it until the release date was confirmed. The industry was fickle; actors would be signed and dropped capriciously, and projects could be shelved without warning,” he shared.

Reflecting on his journey through Bollywood’s evolving landscape, Bajpayee highlighted the dramatic changes, particularly in the roles and presence of women. “The transformation has been profound. From a time when sets were dominated by men, we now see women in all aspects of filmmaking, a shift from the days when scripts were rare and directions were given verbally,” he noted.

Manoj’s latest role as ACP Avinash in ‘Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout’—a sequel to the 2021 crime thriller ‘Silence… Can You Hear It?’—has won him critical acclaim. Discussing the challenges and intricacies of working on a sequel, he advised, “Revisiting the original work is crucial. It helps to understand what should be retained, what needs to be discarded, and how to innovate to enrich the sequel.”

Directed by Aban Bharucha Deohans and streaming on ZEE 5, ‘Silence 2’ also features Prachi Desai, Sahil Vaid, and Parul Gulati, who bring their own unique flair to this gripping franchise.

As Manoj Bajpayee continues to enchant audiences with his performances, his journey from a hopeful outsider to a stalwart of Indian cinema remains an inspiring tale of resilience and adaptability.