Manoj Bajpayee: Came close to directing a film

Manoj Bajpayee on his near tryst with filmmaking and why he didn't do it eventually

Manoj Bajpayee

"This year has been rewarding for me and it all started with Aligarh," says Manoj Bajpayee as we congratulate him on being nominated in the Best Actor category for the 10th Annual Asia Pacific Screen Awards, Australia, for the Hansal Mehta film.

Bajpayee played a homosexual professor in the critically-acclaimed movie based on Aligarh Muslim University academician Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, who was suspended from his job because of his sexual orientation.

"When a film like that is lauded, you feel Indian cinema is now being looked at differently; it's not just about song and dance anymore. I feel proud to be part of the change," says the actor, who credits filmmakers for coming up with innovative scripts.

"Today, I don't have to wait for months to get a good script. Every two-three months, I am offered a mind-blowing film. I am open to new ideas being churned by the newer set of filmmakers. As an actor, it's a good time to be in," says Bajpayee, who, like many of his contemporaries, also has filmmaking aspirations. "I came close to directing a film. I had a script, but also wanted to play the main part in the movie. I thought I wouldn't be able to do justice to my role if I direct it, too. So, someone else is directing it now," he reveals.

Bajpayee recalls a time when he had "become non-existent for the industry, especially filmmakers". "After 1971 [a 2007 film], I went through a low phase. But, I used that time productively. I would call directors to let them know that I am around and available. I am not someone who would sit at home, feeling depressed."

The actor is about to start shooting for Ram Gopal Varma's Sarkar 3 in which he says he has a "small but significant role". He has wrapped up his portion for Neeraj Pandey's Naam Shabana, a prequel to Baby (2015), which also stars Akshay Kumar and Taapsee Pannu. Early next year, his film, Missing, with Tabu, will hit screens. He also has two Indo-American projects in his kitty.

"Both are in the post-production stage. One is Love Sonia, produced by David Womark of Life Of Pi fame. The other is In The Shadow. They will travel to film festivals next year," he says.

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