Manoj Bajpayee says he regrets saying 'no' to Jackie Shroff's role Chunnilal after 'Devdas' success

Manoj Bajpayee declined Chunnilal's role

In a recent interview, Manoj Bajpayee shared his regrets about turning down the role of Chunnilal in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Devdas.' This film, released in 2002, is a critically acclaimed Bollywood classic starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit. Bajpayee, known for his versatile acting skills, revealed that rejecting the role of Chunnilal, which was eventually played by Jackie Shroff, is something he looks back on with regret.

Manoj Bajpayee declined Chunnilal's role

Manoj Bajpayee, during a chat with YouTuber Sushant Sinha, was asked if he had ever declined a role in a film that later became a superhit. Bajpayee candidly responded, "Yes, I was offered Jackie Shroff's role in Devdas, but I immediately said no. I told Sanjay, 'Sanjay, yaar, meri toh hamesha se ichchha thi Devdas karne ki (I always wanted to play Devdas).'" This admission highlights Bajpayee's long-standing desire to portray the character of Devdas, a role immortalized by actors like Dilip Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan.

 
Reflecting on his decision, Bajpayee mentioned, "That film became a superhit, but I have regrets about letting it go. I'd wanted to play Devdas since my theatre days, ever since I'd watched Dilip Kumar's film, or read the book. But I never felt bad." His deep connection with the character of Devdas is evident, stemming from his admiration for previous portrayals and the literary significance of the role.

 
In another interview with YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, Bajpayee discussed the broader aspects of the film industry, particularly the importance of intelligence and being well-informed for an actor. He emphasized, "Till time our actors will keep thinking acting has nothing to do with reading and being informed, not much is going to change. You have to be intelligent and well-informed to be a good actor. Acting has everything, every subject you could possibly dream of." This insight underscores Bajpayee's belief in the intellectual and emotional depth required to excel in acting.

 
On the professional front, Bajpayee was last seen in the film 'Bhaiyya Ji.' He is also busy working on the third season of the popular web series 'The Family Man.' His continuous engagement with diverse roles and projects reflects his dedication to his craft and his ongoing influence in the Indian entertainment industry.