Manoj Bajpayee: ‘Mehnat karna mere DNA mein hai’: Manoj Bajpayee explains why blockbuster movies are ‘picnics’ of boring experiments but ‘push’ to attract independent cinema | Hindi Movie News

Manoj Bajpayee says that indie cinema gives him an impression that mainstream cinema cannot match. Although they often receive more offers, they choose performance-driven projects to please those they bring. “Mehnat karna mere DNA mein hai,” he said. The actor is currently being praised for his performance in ‘Governor’.

For many years, Manoj Bajpayee he has made a reputation for taking on various roles and gravitating towards issues that disparage ordinary people. Although his work spans commercial blockbusters, OTT platforms, and indie productions, he admits that his true passion lies in projects that push his creative boundaries. In a recent interview, the actor explained how his choices have changed over time and why he continues to focus on independent and medium-sized films, even though the big budgets are still coming.

What drives Manoj Bajpayee movie selections

In a candid interview with Hindustan Times, Manoj explained what drives his film choices and it turns out that everything comes to fruition. When asked if his leaning towards independent cinema was a deliberate move, the actor didn’t hesitate. “Of course, you won’t believe me when I tell you, mera mann lagta hai,” he said, revealing that true happiness for him lies in leaving even those closest to him stunned. “I enjoy my performance the most when I do things that even those around me wonder, like ‘Is this Manoj Bajpayee?’ It’s a kick,” he shared. That rush of amazing people, he explained, is the force that separates him from the crowd. “So, I play a medium film or an independent film,” added Bajpayee.

Manoj Bajpayee admits that the comfort of big budget films is real

Bajpayee has not been shy about acknowledging the allure of big deals, admitting that such offers land on his plate on a regular basis. “Mere paas mein big budget film bahut aati hain,” he said. With a sense of humour, he painted a relaxed picture of what a mainstream career might look like – a far cry from the heavy-hitting indie films. “Aapko jaana hai. Badhiya si van mein baithoonga. Acchi-acchi cheez order karoonga. Kya stress lene ki zaroorat nahi hai?” (You have to go. I will be in a good place and order the best things. There is no need to complain, right?) he laughed, and laughed in the places that great things can provide. He also continued to explain the stretching of 40 or 50 days for certain business activities as “ek tanic hoegike” as “ek tanic” the work, working carelessly was not something that he would be willing to do.

Manoj Bajpayee says hard work is non-negotiable

The actor made it clear that he does not neglect hard work, no matter if the film is big or small. “No, of course, I’ll work hard. Jab ana shalpa ayega toh mehnat karoonga hi. Mehnat karna mere DNA mein hai,” (No, of course, I’ll work hard. When the opportunity comes, I’ll definitely give my all. Giving my all is in my DNA) he said. However, the actor also candidly opened up about feeling the weight of the years he spent in difficult and challenging roles. “Testing is happening because I’ve invested so much in these films that I’m getting a little tired of age and strength,” he admitted, with a rare and honest look at the fatigue that comes with such a dedicated job.

Manoj Bajpayee shines within Governor

Bajpayee is currently winning hearts for his role in Governor, a low-budget independent film directed by Chinmay D. Mandlekar. Released in theaters across India, the film portrays him as S. Venkitaramanan, who served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. Set against the backdrop of India’s financial crisis in the early 1990s, this article highlights Venkitaramanan’s pivotal role in one of the most critical topics in the country’s economic journey.