Kangana Ranaut, Govinda among other Bollywood celebs have come forward to voice their opinion against groupism in B-town. While Kangana accused many B-towners of not appreciating her films and cornering her in the industry, hero No. 1 Govinda too
has rubbed many bigwigs like Salman Khan and Karan Johar the wrong way.
But very few actors manage to muster up the courage to raise their voice against the alleged ‘groupism’ or ‘nepotism’ in the entertainment industry and the latest celebrity to join the league is none other than National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee.
Bajpayee made his Bollywood in 1994 film Drohkaal, he sky-rocketed to fame after his portraying the role of Bhiku Mhatre in 1998 film Satya. Ever since there has been no looking back for the actor. He has cemented his place in the entertainment industry as a versatile actor.
After spending more than two decades in the industry, Bajpayee still believes that it is indeed difficult to make your mark in the industry being an ‘outsider’. good books of Bollywood ‘gangs’ to feel comfortable and welcomed in the B-town, reports TNIE.
“It’s an impossible industry for outsiders and if you are a girl trying to get in from outside then it is all the more impossible, because there are gangs and groups here, and they expect you to be in their good books all the time, whether they give you work or not,” Manoj said.
“If you are a person who believes in ability and hard work and not surrendering to peoples’ whims and fancies, then it is quite an impossible industry,” he added.
Bajpayee also recalled his initial days in the industry. “When I entered Hindi films, it was very difficult (because) conventional, commercial and formula films were really ruling the roost (at that time). Coming here and traveling so many years, and having a little bit name for yourself is quite a miracle. That is why I say it is quite an impossible industry,” he said.
“I could have easily had so much of money, name and fame in a very short span of time but I chose the other way,” Bajpayee said.
Manoj “Today, if you look at it, so many other young actors are getting the benefits of all the struggles one has gone through in getting films and sticking to one’s conviction,” he said.
With critically acclaimed films like Satya, Gangs Of Wasseypur, Shool, Zubeidaa, Pinjar, Aligarh among others in his kitty, Manoj Bajpayee feels that he has somehow contributed in driving the focus of filmmakers and audience towards content-driven cinema.
“I believe somewhere in a very small way, I have contributed to the (rising importance of) content and to all the actors who are really talented and want to do something different,” he said.
What do you think of the actor’s candid confession? Would you value principles over a shortcut to success?