THE GREAT Thespian

Manoj Bajpayee’s next film sees him in his first role as a lawyer

- Suhani Singh

SIRF EK BANDAA KAAFI HAI, releasing on ZEE5, has Bajpayee fighting for justice for a victim of sexual abuse

Few actors in Hindi cinema have the depth of talent that helps them survive the test of time and the change that comes with it. Manoj Bajpayee, most will agree, belongs in that exclusive league of extraordinary gentlemen. Such is his command over his craft that it feels like an intrinsic part of his being. By his own admission, he may falter with his choices, but Bajpayee the actor for the most part has emerged unblemished. A Bajpayee-starrer comes with the weight of expectation—that it will be a compelling and relevant story. After nearly three decades in front of the camera and winning three National Awards, one wonders: is acting as easy as breathing for the 54-year-old now? Bajpayee begs to differ.

“You have to work every day to make the relationship work,” he says. “Just because you love to be in it doesn’t mean you can take it for granted and start taking chances with it. I’m aware about how I want to evolve as an actor.” In fact, most work days, he adds, tend to be “bad”, but the “beauty” lies in the fallibilities. “When it is difficult to crack it, you try hammering it from all angles,” he says. “Yes, it is frustrating at times. But it’s that journey of searching that I enjoy the most.”