Basic Information
Name - Manoj Bajpayee
Date of Birth - April 23, 1969
Nationality - Indian
Profession - Actor
Spouse - Shabana Raza (Neha)
Kid - Ava Nayla (Daughter)
Parents - Radhakant Bajpai and Geeta Devi
Social Media Links -
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Biography
Manoj Bajpayee, born on April 23, 1969, in Belwa, a small village near Bettiah in West Champaran, Bihar, into a Hindu Brahmin family. The second of six siblings, Bajpayee was named after the iconic actor Manoj Kumar. Growing up in a modest farming family, his father struggled to fund their education. Bajpayee attended a "hut school" until the fourth grade before continuing his education at Khrist Raja High School in Bettiah and Maharani Janaki Kunwar College. From a young age, he dreamt of becoming an actor, and his early life was marked by hard work on the farm during vacations. At 17, Bajpayee moved to New Delhi to pursue his passion, enrolling at Satyawati College and later Ramjas College, Delhi University. Inspired by actors like Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah, he applied to the National School of Drama (NSD) but faced rejection three times, which deeply discouraged him. However, after attending Barry John’s acting workshop and receiving encouragement from actor Raghubir Yadav, Bajpayee returned to NSD for a fourth attempt. His persistence paid off when he was not only accepted into the school but offered a teaching position. During his early struggle, Baj𒁏payee went through a personal setback, divorcing his first wife before finding love with actress Shabana Raza (Neha), whom he married ꦯin 2006 after dating more than 6 years. His first marriage was an arranged marriage finalised by his parents Radhakant Bajpai and Geeta Devi when he was in his hometown in Bihar.
Career Timeline
Manoj Bajpayee's career began with a brief role in Drohkaal (1994), followed by Bandit Queen (1994), where he portrayed dacoit Mann Singh. Early struggles included television serials like Kalakaar and Swabhimaan (1995). He had minor roles in films like Dastak (1996) and Tamanna (1997) before gaining recognition in Ram Gopal Varma’s Satya (1998) as Bhiku Mhatre, which won him a National Film Award and catapulted him to fame. Bajpayee followed it with notable performances in Kaun? and Shool (1999), earning critical acclaim.
The 2000s were a mix of highs and lows. He impressed with films like Aks (2001), Zubeidaa (2001), and Pinjar (2003), for which he won a National Film Special Jury Award. Despite critical praise, many of his films, including Road (2002) and 1971 (2007), struggled commercially. Injuries and a hiatus slowed his momentum, but he returned with Raajneeti (2010), a box office success.
In 2012, Bajpayee delivered a career-defining performance in Gangs of Wasseypur, solidifying his place as a powerhouse actor. Subsequent roles in films like Special 26 (2013) and Aligarh (2016) showcased his versatility, establishing him as one of Indian cinema's most respecte🌞d acꦓtors.
Achievements
Awards & Recognition
Manoj Bajpayee's remarkable acting career has earned him numerous accolades, including prestigious National Film Awards. In 1999, he won the Best Supporting Actor award for his unforgettable performance in Satya. His talent was further recognized in 2004 when he received the Special Jury Award for his role in Pinjar. Bajpayee’s versatility as an actor continued to shine, and in 2021, he won the Best Actor award for his powerful portrayal in Bhonsle. Most recently, in 2024, he earned a Special Mention for his performance in Gulmohar
He won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor in 1999 for his intense role in Shool, a film that cemented his repꦿutation as a versatile actor.
In 2020, he was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, acknowledging his significant impact on the arts. That same year, his powerful performance in Bhonsle 🅷earned him the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Actor, further solidifying his place as one of the finest actors in contemporary cinema.
Philanthropic Work
Manoj recently visited his nat🍰ive village Belwa in Bihar. He has reportedly started an initiative to help improve the conditions of his village. He has been in conversation with the villagers about the possible ways in which Belwa can🍌 be developed.
Manoj is involved in the Agar Bachpan Se Poocha Khaana Khaaya, Toh Desh Ka Kal Banaya movement, a collaboration between Nand Ghar and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD). The movement's goals include: Ensuring quality nutrition, Providing holistic healthcare, Providing best-in-class preschool educati𓆏on, Nourishing India's future generation, and Ensuring quality nutrition for all children.
Catchphrases
"Bhiku Mhatre kaun? Mumbai ka king kaun?" (Satya)
"Main karta hoon jo mujhe sahi lagta hai" (The Family Man).
"Maarenge nahin saale ko, keh ke lenge uski" (Gangs of Wasseypur)
“Karara jawab milega” (Raajeeti)
Multimedia
Gallery
Videos/Interviews
Facts/Trivia
Manoj’s initial dream was to join the Natiꦇonal School of Drama, but he was rejected three times before making a mark in the industry.
𒀰He shares his first name with actor Manoj Kumar, a source of inspiration for him.
He often creditꦰs his success to his wife, Sh❀abana, and his rural upbringing.
Impact/Legacy
Manoj Bajpayee’s contribution to Indian cinema goes beyond his impeccable acting skills. He has inspired countless aspiring actors, proving that talent and hard work can overcome any obstacle. He has bridged the gap between mainstream and independent cinema, carving a unique niche f🥀or himself. Known for his humility and grounded nature, Bajpayee remains a significant figure in shapi﷽ng modern Indian storytelling, both on-screen and in the digital space.
His legacy is not just about 🃏the roles he has played, but also the inspiration he provides to aspiring actors, proving that perseverance in the face of adversity can lead to extraordinary success. His continued relevance in both mainstream and niche cinema further cements his status as a pivotal figure in Indian film history.
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