Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee is one of the most versatile actors of the Indian film industry. His beginning in the movie business was not easy and judgements on his physical features did not make things easier. On his birthday today, we revisit the time he spoke about the kind of roles he was offered initially. On Mid-day’s podcast series The Bombay Film Journey, Manoj described his transition from being a sidekick on screen to finally playing the lead. 

Manoj Bajpayee on his Bollywood dreams

Manoj Bajpayee, who came to Mumbai in the 90s with dreams of becoming a great actor, recalls, “There was no chance of us becoming heroes at that time. I mean, people looking at us really didn't know what to do. I mean, so many people told me on my face, yaar tera kya karein yaar, na tu villain dikhta hai, na tu hero dikhta hai. I have come to this industry with different kind of features. But actually they were very right. I was definitely not a hero looking and I was definitely not a dangerous-looking guy, okay. That's how they used to cast.”