I’m happy that I’m living: Manoj Bajpai

Actor Manoj Bajpai is over the moon as he says he has got unprecedented appreciation for his role in the Prakash Jha movie.

The acclaimed character actor, who has also won two National Awards, says in terms of recognition he has even surpassed the rage of Satya.

“I never thought that any film will give me more acclaim than Satya but certainly my recently released movie has done wonders. I have always been known as an actor but not for hits as I have had hardly any hits in my career. So, it’s good to get one under my belt but I can’t take credit for the hit. There are many elements in the film that has made it a rage. Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Prakash Jha, Ajay Devgn and all the actors have made the film stand out with their performances,” Manoj tells us.

He adds, “I feel happy that the youngsters like Ranbir and Katrina get credit for the hits. They have miles to go and it’s great to see them establish themselves in the industry. I could not do that as a hit giving person and though I’m getting hits, I’m not growing younger but I wish people come to see performances too. We character actors work equally hard.”

Manoj is very excited about the kind of work that Bollywood is dishing out right now as unlike yesteryears where films were made keeping the hero in mind, today it’s all about well-etched characters for everyone. Manoj laments saying that he feels he was ahead of his time when he started out in Bollywood.

“Some of my films have been rated classics by the industry. I am one of the few who survived the multiplex phenomenon despite not having hits under my belt. This means that people have loved me for my acting. I have definitely come ahead of my time as if I had started off today, I would have got more variety in my work but I’m here to do my job and have no complaints. I’m very happy with the work that I have done so far. Acting is my soul and I’m happy that I’m living my passion,” he says.

The year is looking bright for the talented actor too. “I’m doing a film Dus Tola in which I’m playing a goldsmith. I’m also doing a period film on the Indian freedom struggle in which I’m acting with my acting guru Barry John and I’m getting good offers. Prakash Jha’s film has certainly boosted me and I’m hungry to do more such films and flaunt my acting and entertain the world,” he ends.