Critically acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee discusses his reluctance to play young romantic roles while emphasizing the importance of age-appropriate storytelling in film.
MUMBAI – Manoj Bajpayee, a veteran actor known for his powerful performances, recently addressed a question regarding his interest in romantic roles. During an interview, he was asked whether he would consider taking on a romantic character, especially as many actors from his generation are currently exploring such roles.
In response, Bajpayee expressed his reservations about portraying a young lover. “Definitely you can’t imagine me doing a 25-year-old falling in love with a 20-year-old girl,” he stated. “I will personally not touch or take that kind of risk in this life.” His comments reflect a thoughtful approach to age and authenticity in storytelling.
However, Bajpayee did not completely dismiss the idea of romantic roles. He mentioned that if a script is well-crafted and the role is appropriate for his age, he would be open to it. “Love doesn’t limit itself to age, right?” he remarked. “So, if there is a very fine script which has a romantic story about two middle-aged people, why not?”
The actor emphasized his preference for portraying relatable, middle-class characters. He believes these roles resonate more with audiences and allow him to connect deeply with the material. “I enjoy doing these roles, I enjoy playing common people because I relate to them,” he shared. “Each and every character that I read, I feel like I have seen them somewhere—in real life, in a documentary, in my initial days in Mumbai, in the train.”
Bajpayee also reflected on his experiences in theatre, recalling a conversation with a director about the importance of observation in acting. “Once I spoke to a director and I said, ‘We can’t be observing all the time, people will eventually beat us up—Why are you looking at me?'” he recounted with a sense of humor. He explained that observation is a crucial aspect of an actor’s craft, stating, “Even if he is not looking at someone, he is observing. So, make it a part of your personality.”
In conclusion, Bajpayee articulated the essence of being an actor as being an observer of life. “So we actors are like that—we are observers of our own life, we are observers of people’s life, what’s happening in society,” he said. His insights highlight a commitment to authenticity and meaningful storytelling in his work.
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