Manoj Bajpayee, one of India’s finest actors, has had a career filled with highs and lows, from the groundbreaking Satya to Pinjar, followed by a slump between 2003 and 2009, and then a remarkable comeback after Raajneeti.
His later choices like Gangs of Wasseypur, The Family Man, Aligarh, and Bandaa cemented his place as an actor who prioritizes craft over glamour. In a recent conversation with Anurag Kashyap and Piyush Mishra, Bajpayee opened up about his frustration with the celebrity culture that glorifies PR-driven trends like “Best Actor” tags and the idea of stars being called “National Crush.”
He admitted that this shift in culture feels humiliating for trained actors like him and Piyush Mishra, who have dedicated decades to their craft. “Acting ko leke jitni fallacy ab badhi hai na, voh irritating bhi hai, annoying bhi hai, and humiliating bhi hai,” he said, explaining how fleeting hashtags and PR campaigns undermine years of rigorous work.
He pointed out that suddenly actors are crowned with titles like “Best Actor” or “National Crush” every few months, which diminishes the seriousness of the profession.
Netizens echoed his sentiment, with many calling out the “National Crush” label as shallow and PR-driven. Some praised Bajpayee’s grounded outlook, noting how he stays focused on acting instead of image-building. One comment summed it up: “Imagine working so hard on your craft only to see mediocrity thrive because of PR.”
Bajpayee also reflected on his career choices, highlighting that he rarely worked with senior directors. Instead, he collaborated with young filmmakers like Ram Gopal Varma, who went on to redefine Indian cinema in their time.
This unconventional path, along with his resistance to superficial stardom, has made Bajpayee a symbol of integrity in the industry.
