Is Bajpayee This Era's Bachchan?

Manoj Bajpayee Is The Amitabh Bachchan Of Our Times

Bachchan and Bajpayee have something very obvious in common: their journeys reflect the changing dynamics of the film industry, writes Swetha Ramakrishnan

“MUJHE flops se dar nahi lagta, bure filmo se lagta hai (I’m not scared of flops, I’m scared of bad films).”

An iconic quote by an iconic man: Manoj Bajpayee. Amid the release of his 100th film, Bhaiyya Ji, Bajpayee has, rather prominently now, created a comfortable niche for himself in the extremely thankless and difficult Hindi film industry. He did it much before his successors — like Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Pankaj Tripathi — capitalised on it. What is “it”, you ask? The rise of the natural, realistic and relatable actor, juxtaposed with the star worship that Bollywood is otherwise synonymous with.

In the age of inflated star fees, identity crises about which platform deserves what kind of content, and hopes of a much-needed industry metamorphosis, Bajpayee’s wins seem personal, just as his success seems long overdue. Boomers will not be happy with what I’m about to say, but for those of us who discovered Bajpayee through Satya, he’s our Amitabh Bachchan. Every aspiring actor’s (not star’s) inspiration. Countless memorable roles, countless inspiring interviews and an ineffaceable cinematic journey.

Manoj Bajpayee's ascent in the Hindi film industry is nothing short of extraordinary. His unassuming presence and dedication to his roles have redefined what it means to be a leading actor. His breakthrough came with Ram Gopal Varma's Satya (1998), where his portrayal of Bhiku Mhatre, a charismatic and ruthless gangster, not only won him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor but also etched his name in the annals of Indian cinema. This role was more than a performance; it was an immersion into the gritty underbelly of Mumbai, and a masterclass in method acting. It was also a departure from the typical hero archetype, signalling Bajpayee's arrival as a powerhouse of talent capable of profound character immersion.

Watch Satya: Ab Tak Pachchees, an OTTplay Original

Bajpayee's strength lies in his meticulous approach to his craft. Each performance is characterised by a deep understanding of his characters' psyche and motivations. His roles in films like Shool (1999), Pinjar (2003) and Aligarh (2015) showcase his ability to inhabit diverse characters, each with a distinct emotional and psychological profile.

In Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), Bajpayee played Sardar Khan exquisitely, and it’s another testament to his chameleonic quality as an actor. Bajpayee transformed into the vengeful and audacious character with such ferocity that he became synonymous with the film’s raw, visceral energy. It’s why his career stands out, in an industry often criticised for its nepotism and formulaic narratives. He has consistently chosen roles that challenge the status quo, opting for scripts that offer depth and meaning over commercial viability.

However, he can play commercially-rooted comedic roles or roles that require a certain type of mainstream machismo (especially in action scenes) with equal ease. In Amazon Prime Video’s The Family Man, Bajpayee’s portrayal of Srikant Tiwari, a middle-class man balancing his mundane family life with the high-stakes world of geopolitical espionage, brought a refreshing complexity to the web series format. His performance seamlessly blended humour, action and drama, and the series went on to position him as a legit OTT superstar.

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Speaking of superstars, the comparison with Bachchan is not a fleeting one. This writer has given it serious thought. Is Bajpayee really the Amitabh Bachchan of our times? Allow me to dig deeper into this.

Amitabh Bachchan’s stardom is akin to a cultural phenomenon. His larger-than-life persona, coupled with a series of blockbuster hits over decades, created an almost mythical status. He is not just an actor but a symbol of a bygone era. His influence extended beyond cinema into politics, television and social causes, making him a multi-faceted icon. In contrast, Manoj Bajpayee’s stardom is rooted in his artistry. He is celebrated for his craft rather than his commercial appeal. Bajpayee's impact is more cerebral, resonating with audiences who appreciate the intricacies of performance and storytelling. His roles often challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of conventional cinema.

But Bachchan and Bajpayee have something very obvious in common: their journeys reflect the changing dynamics of the film industry.

Bachchan’s influence on Indian pop culture is profound. He became the face of an era, his dialogues and mannerisms becoming part of everyday vernacular. His roles often reflected and influenced societal values, from the righteous anger of the common man in Deewar to the moral dilemmas in Shakti. Bajpayee’s influence, while more niche, is significant in its own right. He has been instrumental in the rise of realistic and content-driven cinema in India. His choice of roles often reflects social issues and marginalised voices, contributing to a broader discourse on diversity and inclusivity in Indian cinema.

Ultimately, the comparison between Bachchan and Bajpayee reflects the evolution of Indian cinema itself. Bachchan’s era was characterised by a star-centric industry where larger-than-life heroes dominated the screen. The narrative was often driven by the hero’s journey, with clear distinctions between good and evil.

Meanwhile, Bajpayee’s career has flourished in a time when Indian cinema is embracing more nuanced and diverse storytelling. The rise of independent films, digital platforms, and a growing appreciation for realistic narratives has provided actors like Bajpayee with a canvas to explore complex characters and unconventional stories. This shift signifies a broader change in audience preferences.

Both actors have been instrumental in how Indian audiences define what a “superstar” means. In 2024, though, Bajpayee remains a steadfast symbol of what true artistry looks like. This may seem like an on-the-nose love letter to Bajpayee, but the over emphasis of adjectives is deliberate. We’re in a post-truth era where PR managers are crafting careers and narratives for every single working artist who can shell out resources. I can promise you this is not an essay merely put together to capitalise on relevant trends. This is not a pre-decided tribute timed to the release of his latest film. This is an extremely belated promotion of one of the best actors of our generation.

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