What Did Yash Chopra Tell Manoj Bajpayee Before Casting Him In ‘Veer Zara’? Read Here

New Delhi: National award-winning actor has had to fight for his place in the film industry. In his numerous interviews, he has admitted that he had no qualms about not being ‘hero material’ because of his ordinary looks. Yet, he was bitten by the acting bug and didn’t give up. His successful survival in Bollywood and foray into mainstream cinema is testimony to his determination and acting prowess.

In a recent interview, Manoj recalled how he turned down several offers Satya (1998) because he never wanted such roles. In this regard, the actor mentioned how his wife and former actress Shabana Raza once told him it is ‘miraculous’ that he has survived so long in Bollywood. “She said it is miraculous that you are still existing in the industry. When I asked her why are you saying that, Shabana said, ‘Tumne jaise itne logon ko naraaz kiya hai, tumko khatam ho jana chahiye tha ab tak (The way you have upset people, your career should have ended a long time ago).’ People are not used to hearing no, and I have said no many times,” Manoj told Mashable.

The actor also recalled how he fought for a ‘fair chance’ and demanded the money that he deserved from the filmmakers. “I have fought so much for a fair chance here, and I must admit I have been offensive as well, but I couldn’t see any other way. They said you will get money on how your film performs at the box office, but I said I have been here for so many years, done credible work so I deserve more,” he added.

During the interaction, Manoj Bajpayee also shared how he protects his family from the ‘harsh glare of the world’. He revealed that while he used to be ‘over-protective’ initially, it is not the case anymore.

“Kuch zyada protective nature ka hun to daant pad jaati hai (I sometimes go overboard so they shut me down). Today’s women, whether it be my wife or my daughter, they don’t want you to be extra protective of them and somewhere they are very right. That kind of over-protectiveness can become suffocating,” he said. The actor also mentioned that he does not ‘spy’ on his loved ones but ‘monitors’ if they are safe or not.

In a recent interview, as quoted on a leading entertainment platform, Manoj Bajpayee also poke at length about his experience working with Yash Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan in Veer Zara. “Yashji was very clear in telling me, ‘I don’t make films for an actor like you, so I don’t think I would have anything else in the future, but this is very good and it will be great if you agree to do it.’ He was such a humble man.”

Yash Chopra had seen Manoj’s performance in ‘Pinjar’  and was thoroughly impressed. Then he thought of offering a role in Veer Zara.

On the work front, Manoj Bajpayee just had his film Gulmohar have an OTT release and it has received rave reviews.