Manoj Bajpayee, known for his stellar performances in films and shows like The Family Man and Gangs of Wasseypur, has made a name for himself as one of India’s most talented actors.
However, despite his versatility, the actor admits that he has often been stereotyped into playing middle-class or lower-middle-class roles. This typecasting, according to him, has limited the kinds of characters he is offered, especially those from affluent backgrounds.
In a recent interview with Bombay Times, Manoj spoke candidly about how filmmakers view him and how it has affected the roles he gets. “I am mostly cast in middle-class or lower-middle-class stories,” he shared. “Filmmakers struggle to cast me as a rich guy.” Despite his range, this perception of him as only suited to certain types of roles has followed him throughout his career.
Bajpayee revealed that Zubeidaa (2001), directed by Shyam Benegal, was one of the very few films where he got the chance to play a wealthy character.
He described how Benegal’s confidence in casting him as a maharaja stemmed from his belief that royals did not always have to fit the stereotype of “Greek gods” but could look like ordinary people. “Shyam Benegal didn’t hesitate to cast me as a rich man,” Bajpayee said. “He knew real maharajas didn’t need to fit into a conventional mould.”
Similarly, in Veer Zaara (2004), Bajpayee played a Pakistani politician in a small but memorable role. Director Yash Chopra insisted that Manoj take on the part after being impressed by his performance in Pinjar (2003).
These rare instances were exceptions, as Manoj explained that most other filmmakers have been hesitant to break free from the middle-class image they have of him.
“Bakiyonko mujhe rich dikhaane mein dikkat hoti hai,” Bajpayee joked, acknowledging how directors struggle to see him as part of the high society. He emphasised that while two legendary directors like Shyam Benegal and Yash Chopra could envision him in different types of roles, many others couldn’t. “No director could think of me as a rich guy, barring these two stalwarts,” he added, highlighting how stereotyping still exists in the industry.