Manoj Bajpayee: A Career Defined by Versatility and Accolades Manoj Bajpayee, born April 23, 1969, is a Padma Shri awardee and a prominent figure in Hindi cinema, with notable contributions to Telugu and Tamil films. His journey, marked by initial rejections from the National School of Drama, underscores his unwavering dedication. Early roles in Drohkaal (1994) and Bandit Queen (1994) paved the way for his breakthrough performance as Bhiku Mhatre in Ram Gopal Varma's Satya (1998), earning him a National Film Award and Filmfare Critics Award. Subsequent critically acclaimed roles in Kaun? (1999) and Shool (1999) solidified his position. His range is evident in diverse portrayals: a greedy politician in Raajneeti (2010), Sardar Khan in Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), a Naxalite in Chakravyuh (2012), and a CBI officer in Special 26 (2013). The role of Professor Ramchandra Siras in Aligarh (2016) garnered him another Filmfare Critics Award and an Asia Pacific Screen Award. His National Film Award for Best Actor for Bhonsle (2018) and the Filmfare OTT Award for Best Actor in The Family Man (2021) highlight his continued success across mediums. His recent win for "Best Actor" at the Movified awards for Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai further cements his standing. Bajpayee's career is characterized by his commitment to challenging roles and his ability to embody complex characters with remarkable depth.
