Manoj Bajpayee: We don't get as much as the numbers you read about stars

Updated On: 01 December, 2025 08:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent

Manoj Bajpayee says he remains underpaid compared to top stars despite the massive success of The Family Man, joking that he still feels like he’s under “MGNREGA.” The actor revealed that he often takes pay cuts to support good films, believing in strong storytelling over money

Listen to this article :

Manoj Bajpayee

Quick Read

Manoj Bajpayee is one of the most talented actors in India and has time and again proven his versatility with different kinds of roles. The actor has also never minced his words and often speaks his mind openly. He has previously addressed the pay disparity in the industry. Back in 2023, Bajpayee spoke about being underpaid even after doing a successful show like The Family Man. He had also called himself a `sasta mazdoor`. So, have things changed after three seasons of the widely popular show where he plays secret agent Srikant Tiwari?

Manoj Bajpayee on pay disparity

Talking to India Today, Manoj Bajpayee said that he is still not paid as much as the bigger stars in the industry. “Humein chahe jitna bhi mile, humein utna nahi milta (Whatever we get, it’s not as much as what others get). We don`t get as much as the numbers you read about stars in the news. We continue to struggle for better pay — sangharsh jaari hai,” he said.

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast

;

Home / Entertainment / Bollywood News / Article / Manoj Bajpayee: We don't get as much as the numbers you read about stars