When we initiate a conversation with celebrated actor Manoj Bajpayee, he starts with confident words, “You’ll be proud of me by the end of this year.” His conviction is not without reason. Known for his exquisite acting skills and compelling screen presence, Bajpayee has indeed created a space for himself in the annals of Indian cinema as a critically acclaimed actor. With an impressive track record that includes performances in films like ‘Gulmohar,’ ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai,’ and ‘Joram,’ he has showcased his versatility in narrative storytelling. Yet, 2024 promises to reveal a different dimension of his creativity—one that many are not aware of.
Bajpayee looks forward to an eclectic mix of projects in 2024, starting with the Netflix crime series ‘Killer Soup,’ starring alongside Konkona Sen Sharma and directed by Abhishek Chaubey. His anticipation is not only for acting but also for his debut as a screenwriter with the action-packed feature ‘Bhaiyya Ji.’ “What I’m looking forward to in 2024 is the result of my love for a variety of genres,” says Bajpayee. He reflects on last year’s variety, from the vibrant ‘Gulmohar’ to the content-driven ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ and the independent film ‘Joram.’ He promises an equally diverse array for this year, staging a celebration of mainstream, middle-of-the-road, and independent cinema through his varied roles and projects.
Scheduled to appear in the sequel of ‘Silence… Can You Hear It?’ as well as in director Raam Reddy’s ‘Pahadon Mein,’ which is slated to travel through multiple film festivals, along with Kanu Behl’s investigative thriller ‘Despatch,’ Bajpayee is set to dazzle fans and critics alike.
The actor is also venturing into production with ‘Bhaiyya Ji,’ following his production debut with ‘Missing’ in 2018. His new production company Aurega Studios, spearheaded by his wife Shabana and business partner Vikram Khakhar, began working on the film in September 2023. Shabana takes charge of the creative and administrative aspects of the project. Bajpayee explains the inspiration behind ‘Bhaiyya Ji,’ revealing it as a tribute to the larger-than-life characters from the rural heartlands of North India, drawn from a true incident that piqued his interest years ago. Although initially aspiring to create a middle-ground movie, director Apoorv Singh Karki’s resolve transformed the film into an action-packed entertainer. “Our association on Bandaa has been so good, and he was so insistent that I had to give up that thought,” remarks Bajpayee, asserting that the movie will combine traditional commercial elements with his unique sensibilities.
The twist to this tale of creativity lies in the fact that Bajpayee is not only acting and producing ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ but has also donned the writer’s hat for the film, crafting the story himself, with the screenplay being penned by Deepak Kingrani. In a revelation that might surprise some, Bajpayee discloses, “People don’t know that side of me—that I am a writer too.” Tracing his roots back to the days in the theatre, the actor reminisces about the plays he used to write, particularly street plays. His writing took a backseat once he wholeheartedly delved into acting. Every role demanded his absolute passion, leaving little room for his writing pursuits.
Despite his multifaceted talents and the strong imprint he has left on his portrayals, 2024 is set to be a significant year for Manoj Bajpayee, one where audiences will get to explore the layers to his creativity. With ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ being the cornerstone of his artistic expansion, Bajpayee transitions from a thespian to a screenwriter, promising not only a new dimension of storytelling but also affirming the depth and breadth of his craft in the dynamic world of Indian cinema.
