MANOJ BAJPAYEE - A MASTERCLASS IN ACTING AND STAYING RELEVANT

That he is one of the best actors we have in the country, is beyond doubt anymore. His sparkling filmography and masterful performances have established him, quite a while back, as a textbook in acting. But a skill that Bajpayee possesses, which has lent him an added edge, is his ability to be relevant, mesmerising generations of Indian audiences with relatable content on all platforms

- ARNESH GHOSE

THE FIRST TIME I INTERVIEWED MANOJ BAJPAYEE, about six years back, I told him that I was his biggest fan. I still remember how empty the words sounded, how the fan whirred above us in complete silence. You know that feeling when you compliment someone, and it just feels unnecessary? “I am your biggest fan”. Millions before you have said the same thing and millions after will say it as well. He knows that you know that, and the moment you say those words, they sound hollow and insufficient. Who does not admire Manoj Bajpayee’s films? How do you tell him that you think he is one of the most important acting talents in this country, without gushing for hours? More importantly, it’s not brand-new information for him.

I remember sitting across Bhiku Mhatre in his sprawling Mumbai apartment, and he looks at me, expressionless when I compliment his body of work. I can almost hear him think “Shut the fuck up and get on with it, kid”. The fan whirred and I stared at him, curled up on the couch in front of me. He has intense eyes, which hardly waver from you, looking intently, scanning, measuring you up.

I have often wondered about the art of complimenting stalwarts without sounding sycophantic and insincere. Manoj Bajpayee is definitely one of the best actors this country has ever produced. Yawn. He knows that. We know that. Every time one of his films — and now shows — releases, we don’t walk out surprised that he has done a fantastic job. We walk in knowing that he is going to be crackling. And the man never fails to deliver. Even in the weakest of films, Bajpayee shines.