Manoj Bajpayee has always had a knack for turning ordinary lives into unforgettable stories on screen. From gritty dramas to high-octane thrillers, the versatile actor is often seen bringing middle-class characters to life in a way that feels incredibly real.
Recently, in a chat with IANS, Bajpayee reflected on whether he has been typecast in such roles, and why he actually loves it.
“I enjoy playing common people because I relate to them,” Bajpayee said. “Each character I read, I feel like I have seen them somewhere. In real life, in a documentary, during my early days in Mumbai, even on the train.”
During his theatre days, Bajpayee learned to study people closely. He recalled a funny incident when a director told him to keep observing others, and Bajpayee joked about how people would get upset if someone stared at them too long.
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“Observation is such a big part of an actor’s personality that even if he is not looking directly at someone, he is observing,” he said. “We are observers of our own lives, of people’s lives, and of what’s happening in society.”
This constant watchfulness helps him bring authenticity to the roles he plays. “Whenever a character comes, I feel I have seen him somewhere, or his problem is extremely relatable,” he added. “I find it amazing to play such characters.”
On the work front, fans can look forward to seeing Bajpayee in the upcoming Netflix release, ‘Inspector Zende’. Scheduled to premiere on September 5, the film is a dark comedy thriller written and directed by Chinmay Mandlekar.
Manoj Bajpayee will essay the role of Inspector Madhukar Zende. Jim Sarbh plays Carl Bhojraj, a character inspired by the infamous serial killer Charles Sobhraj.
Produced by Jay Shewakramani and Om Raut, ‘Inspector Zende’ promises a gripping mix of suspense, crime, and dark humor.