Actor Akshay Oberoi has credited National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee as one of the defining influences behind his own career choices, speaking ahead of their shared appearance in the upcoming project Gajab Raat. The film marks a notable shift for Akshay, who steps into a morally complex character — one with what he describes as 'shades of grey.'

Manoj Bajpayee: A Lifelong Idol

'Manoj Bajpayee sir has been an idol for me since childhood,' Akshay said. 'I have grown up watching his performances, and in many ways, I have based my own career decisions on actors like him, who have consistently chosen substance over convention and let their work speak for itself.'

Akshay elaborated on what sets Bajpayee apart as a guiding figure: 'He showed us that you don't have to follow the obvious path to build a meaningful career; you have to believe in the characters you choose and the stories you want to tell. As an actor, you look up to people who make you believe that there is so much more to this profession than just being seen on screen.'

Sharing the Screen in Gajab Raat

For Akshay, the experience of working alongside Bajpayee carried personal weight beyond the professional. 'Sharing screen space with someone whose work has influenced your own journey is both humbling and exciting,' he said. 'He brings an incredible depth, honesty and unpredictability to his performances, and that makes every scene more engaging.'

He noted that their on-screen face-off in Gajab Raat pushed him to a different level of performance. 'Our face-off in Gajab Raat gave me the opportunity to challenge myself and bring a different energy to my performance. It is a moment I will always value, both as an actor and as someone who has admired him for years,' Akshay added.

Neeraj Pandey's Vision and a Role Beyond Familiar Territory

The project is backed by filmmaker and producer Neeraj Pandey, whose distinct storytelling approach Akshay says drew him to the role. 'Neeraj Pandey has a distinct approach to storytelling and character development. Being part of a project backed by him gave me the opportunity to explore a role that moves beyond familiar territory,' Akshay said.

He expressed enthusiasm about how audiences will respond to seeing him in this new avatar. 'Playing someone with shades of grey is always interesting because it challenges you to look beyond the obvious and understand what drives a character's choices. I am excited for the audience to see this side of me in Gajab Raat,' he said.

What to Expect from Gajab Raat

While further plot details remain under wraps, Gajab Raat appears poised to spotlight two generations of talent — the established, celebrated craft of Bajpayee and the evolving, risk-taking career of Akshay Oberoi. With Neeraj Pandey's reputation for taut, character-driven narratives, the project has generated early curiosity among both critics and audiences.