Over the years, Manoj Bajpayee has carved a niche for himself with his impeccable acting skills. His raw emotions and timed humour enhance the impact of his roles. For the critically acclaimed star, who made his way to the tinsel town from the theatre culture of Delhi, the journey to success was a rocky one. After a spree of secondary roles, the actor found his breakthrough with Ram Gopal Varma’s ‘Satya.’ The film pivoted his career, paving the way for commercial and critical success. However, the gloss wasn’t easy to digest for the star who felt a sense of guilt over the lifestyle he achieved. It was actor Akshaye Khanna who helped Bajpayee overcome his discomfort.

During his conversation with Mid-Day, the ‘Family Man’ star reflected on the first taste of success. While catapulting him to success, ‘Satya’ earned him the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Following the film, Bajpayee was uncomfortable with the new-found attention and fame. Moreover, he was struggling with imposter syndrome. “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. It was Akshaye Khanna who said, ‘Manoj, why are you feeling so guilty about your success? Own it.’”

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His conversation with the ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ actor helped him come to terms with his new reality. “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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Over the years, Manoj Bajpayee has cemented his footing as a leading actor in the Indian Film Industry. He has dazzled fans with his dynamic range and impressive acting prowess. His filmography boasts titles including ‘Pinjar,’ ‘Gangs of Wasseypur,’ ‘Special 26,’ and web series like ‘The Family Man’ among others. Moving ahead, the actor is gearing up for the final season of ‘Family Man’, his last stint as Srikant Tiwari.