Manoj Bajpayee says he had to change costumes behind a truck for independent films: ‘I sit like a king in Bollywood’

Manoj Bajpayee revealed that while doing independent films, he has to promote the films himself as there is no budget. 'I am a king in mainstream films,' he added.

Manoj Bajpayee will next be seen in Bandaa. (Photo: Manoj Bajpayee/Instagram)

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Actor Manoj Bajpayee, who has worked in both mainstream and independent films, recently shared his thoughts on the pros and cons of working in each of these spheres. The actor recounted his experiences of working on shoestring budgets, revealing that he had changed costumes behind a truck and had to make do with three-star hotels due to the financial constraints of independent filmmaking.

In an interview with Mirchi Plus, Manoj said, “I myself had to market my independent movie because there would be no budget. Whatever was the budget, it was used to make the film. I have done everything. I have even changed the costumes behind a truck, because there was no van.”

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A post shared by Manoj Bajpayee (@bajpayee.manoj)

Talking about doing both mainstream and independent films, the actor said that “Mainstream is demanding on a different level, but is not demanding of your frame.” The actor said that the environment is chilled out while doing a mainstream movie and said, “When I ask for one cold drink, I get five. So we love it.” On the contrary, Manoj said that while working on an independent film, he gets to stay in a three-star hotel instead of a five star hotel.

The actor also said that he and his staff had to adjust in one Innova while working on an independent film. “But in the mainstream, there are cars behind in which my staff is seated. Main raja ke tarah baitha rehta hoon. So I enjoy that.”

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Despite the challenges of working on low-budget films, Manoj acknowledged that his role in the film Aligarh brought him fame and is a role that people still remember him for. On the work front, Manoj will next be seen in Bandaa.

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