Manoj Bajpayee on Last Man in Tower: 'Addicted to his own greatness'
Synopsis
Manoj Bajpayee says his character in 'Last Man in Tower' is trapped by his own self-image — a man so addicted to being the 'good person' in his family that he inadvertently neglects those closest to him. It is a quietly devastating portrait of moral vanity, and Bajpayee's candid breakdown of the role suggests this may be one of his most nuanced performances yet.
Key Takeaways
Manoj Bajpayee describes his 'Last Man in Tower' character as 'addicted to being the good person in the family.' He says the character's self-image collapses when his son confronts him about neglecting his immediate family.
Bajpayee spoke alongside co-star Divya Dutta and director Ben Rekhi during promotions in Andheri West, Mumbai .
The film is adapted from Aravind Adiga's novel of the same name, set against Mumbai's urban redevelopment landscape. 'Last Man in Tower' is currently running in cinemas across India.
National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee has opened up about his character in the recently released film 'Last Man in Tower', describing the role as a man driven by an almost compulsive need to be the moral anchor of his family — even at the cost of those closest to him. The film has been receiving strong audience response since its theatrical release.
The Character's Inner Conflict
Speaking during promotional events in the Andheri West area of Mumbai, Bajpayee explained the psychological complexity at the heart of his portrayal. 'He looks at things from the lens of either right or wrong. And if you see his backstory, you get to know through his son as to where he comes from. He has this addiction to be the good person in the family, the bigger person in the family,' he said.
The actor elaborated further, noting how this fixation leads his character toward a painful reckoning. 'He always tried to live up to those expectations. Now, in doing that, somewhere he ignored his own immediate family. And that is something he always thought — 'I have done such a great favor. I have helped my brothers so much'. But when his son points it out, the whole feeling great about himself collapses. So, that's human beings for you,' Bajpayee said.
A Reflection on Human Nature
Bajpayee went beyond the character to offer a broader observation about self-delusion. 'These are the things that we do. Sometimes we get addicted to our own greatness. And you stop realizing that your so-called greatness is actually creating so much of a problem for others. At the end of the day, we are filled with miseries and suspense. And there is always a process of knowing yourself first,' he added.
The remarks were made alongside co-star Divya Dutta and director Ben Rekhi, who joined Bajpayee for the film's promotional circuit in Mumbai.
About the Film
'Last Man in Tower' is adapted from the acclaimed eponymous novel by author Aravind Adiga, set against the backdrop of Mumbai's relentlessly shifting urban landscape. Bajpayee plays a retired schoolteacher and widower living in an ageing apartment complex. When a wealthy developer tables a lucrative buyout offer to residents, most are tempted by the windfall. His character alone refuses to vacate, becoming the solitary obstacle standing between the developer and the redevelopment project.
Notably, the adaptation brings one of Adiga's most morally layered narratives to the screen, exploring themes of greed, collective pressure, and individual conscience in a city where space is power.
In Cinemas Now
'Last Man in Tower' is currently playing in cinemas across India. The film's release follows Bajpayee's continued run as one of Hindi cinema's most consistently praised character actors, with audiences and critics alike responding warmly to his performance.
Point of View
And the fact that Bajpayee is leading with the character's inner contradiction rather than the plot suggests he understands what makes the story worth telling. Whether the film sustains that interiority across its runtime is the question critics will settle — but the actor's framing is exactly right.
NationPress
23 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Last Man in Tower' about?
'Last Man in Tower' is a film adapted from Aravind Adiga's novel of the same name, set in Mumbai. It follows a retired schoolteacher and widower, played by Manoj Bajpayee, who refuses to sell his apartment to a wealthy developer, becoming the sole obstacle to a major redevelopment project.
What did Manoj Bajpayee say about his character in the film?
Bajpayee said his character is obsessed with being the 'good person' in the family but, in pursuing that image, ends up neglecting his immediate family. The character's self-perception collapses when his son points out the harm caused by his perceived generosity.
Who else stars in 'Last Man in Tower'?
The film features Divya Dutta alongside Manoj Bajpayee and is directed by Ben Rekhi. Both Dutta and Rekhi joined Bajpayee for promotions in Andheri West, Mumbai.
Is 'Last Man in Tower' based on a book?
Yes, the film is based on the novel of the same name by Booker Prize-winning author Aravind Adiga. The story is set against the backdrop of Mumbai's rapidly changing urban landscape and explores themes of greed, conscience, and collective pressure.
Where can audiences watch 'Last Man in Tower'?
'Last Man in Tower' is currently playing in cinemas across India.
