Acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee opened up about the incredible highs and lows of his life on the special Karmaveer Independence Day episode of Kon Honaar Crorepati, and the stories he shared were nothing short of inspiring. From crushing rejections to national recognition, Bajpayee’s journey reflects the resilience and raw passion that defines a true artist.
“When I came to Mumbai for the first time…”
Manoj Bajpayee spoke about his early days, sharing, “When I went to Delhi for the first time in my life, I was 18 years. It was the period of my life when nothing scared me. I felt like winning everything. But when I came to Mumbai for the first time, I had already faced ups and downs, rejections, hunger.”
He recalled how daunting Mumbai felt to a newcomer: “I still remember when my train entered Mumbai, and there were houses of people around the tracks. I felt like I am entering the tunnel but have no idea what I will do next. I was scared. I again stepped back and thought again about my decision.”
At that time, he revealed, there was no space for outsiders in the industry: “People would laugh at me when I would tell them that I had done Bandit Queen.” He also mentioned his admiration for Imtehan, a TV show starring the host of the episode, Sachin Khedekar: “Sachin Khedekar was so popular and a big name at that time. Everybody was doing their best. Opportunities were less too.”
Rejections That Shaped Him
Bajpayee also revisited the pain of being rejected by the National School of Drama, a dream he nurtured since childhood:
“I dreamt of taking admission in the National School of Drama from the age of 12. I had immense love for drama, and I used to study the entire day. I was rejected when I first gave my entrance exam, and it felt like my life has been destroyed. I was in huge depression.”
He added how he faced repeated rejections—up to four times—each time being told, “I am not up to the mark.” Despite the setbacks, he kept pushing through with theater: “This experience taught me one thing that rejection never defines you… Always remember, if one door gets closed, the second door opens, and you should keep trying to open that second door. Also, while opening the second door, many other doors which were invisible also opens.”
His resilience is a guiding light for anyone going through a rough phase: “I have experienced in my life that no matter how many times you fail; God always surprises you with his blessings.”
The Bhiku Mhatre Transformation
One of the most memorable anecdotes Bajpayee shared was how he prepared for the iconic role of Bhiku Mhatre in Satya. “When I was playing Bhiku Mhatre in Satya, I observed many things because people in Mumbai speak differently, and I did not have that accent.”
He found his unexpected teacher in his maid: “So I decided to talk more with my servant, who was a proper Mumbaikar. I used to talk a lot with her on various topics. My character Bhiku Mhatre needed that kind of accent. Basically, my servant taught me how I should speak Marathi and the dialogues with Mumbai style.”
This dedication went beyond mimicry. Bajpayee chose to live in the environment: “I wanted to surround myself with Marathi’s environment. I kept myself like this for a month.” And the results showed—his famous line, “Mumbai ka king kaun? Bhiku Mhatre!” still echoes in pop culture.
The Best Compliment Ever
Among many praises Bajpayee has received, one stood out. He recalled a heartfelt moment at an airport when a 60-year-old stranger sat next to him and recognized him for his performance in Shool:
“He told me he has watched my film Shool. I asked him how it was, and he said he got disturbed after watching the film. He asked me from where we got the villain. I told him he is a famous actor from Maharashtra and his name is Sayaji Shinde.”
But it was what the man said next that left a mark on Bajpayee: “He told me that he could feel my sweat in a scene. He was feeling me. His comment touched my heart and I still have not forgotten this compliment.”
From Bhiku Mhatre to Shrikant Tiwari
Wrapping up the episode, Sachin Khedekar lauded Bajpayee’s journey—from his breakout role in Satya to the much-loved Family Man. Bajpayee credited discipline for his sustained success:
“I live life with a strict discipline. Mumbai never sleeps, and I have seen the same for many years. But I made my life more disciplined. My grandfather used to sleep early. I have been following my grandfather’s diet since then. Still, my family sleeps early, by 9 pm.”
Revealing a bit of his daily routine, he said: “I get up by 4.30 am and do my yoga and medication. I run a lot. That’s it. I don’t do much. Believe me (He laughs).”
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