Manoj Bajpayee says wife Shabana thinks it’s a ‘miracle’ his career in Bollywood hasn’t ended: ‘I have fought so much for fair chance, have offended…’

“She said it is miraculous that you are still existing in the industry. When I asked her why are you saying that, Shabana said, ‘Tumne jaise itne logon ko naraaz kiya hai, tumko khatam ho jana chahiye tha ab tak (The way you have upset people, your career should have ended a long time ago).’ People are not used to hearing no, and I have said no many times. I have fought so much for a fair chance here, and I must admit I have been offensive as well, but I couldn’t see any other way. They said you will get money on how your film performs at the box office, but I said I have been here for so many years, done credible work so I deserve more,” the actor explained.

He also spoke about how blinds were written about him, with reports claiming that he has attitude and is saying no to established filmmakers. “I hate blinds and the people who write them,” he said.

While speaking about his acting journey and his wife’s remark, Manoj was also asked how does he protect his loved ones from the harsh glare of the world. The actor confessed that he used to be quite over-protective of his wife and their daughter: “Kuch zyada protective nature ka hun to daant pad jaati hai (I sometimes go overboard so they shut me down). Today’s women, whether it be my wife or my daughter, they don’t want you to be extra protective of them and somewhere they are very right. That kind of over protectiveness can become suffocating.”

When asked how does he then keep them safe and out of harm’s way, the actor stated, “I don’t spy. I always monitor whether they are safe or not. If I do something extra, I will hear things like, ‘Apna over protectiveness apne paas rakho. Hum theek hai, jab zarurat hogi aapko bol denge‘ (Don’t be so overly protective, we can manage things on our own. We will let you know when we need you).”

On the work front, Manoj Bajpayee was last seen in the family drama Gulmohar, which is available to stream on Disney Plus Hotstar.