Manoj Bajpayee on acting: curiosity is the real craft behind every role
Synopsis
Manoj Bajpayee couldn't walk into the RBI building, couldn't meet a sitting governor — and yet he had to play one. His answer to that wall? Curiosity and archival pages he still carries around. With 'Governor' releasing on 12 June 2026, Bajpayee's approach to an impossible research challenge is a masterclass in how actors navigate institutions that simply won't let them in.
Key Takeaways
Manoj Bajpayee says curiosity — not expertise — is the essential quality every actor must develop.
His upcoming film 'Governor' features a character modelled after former RBI Governor S.
Venkitaramanan , who managed India's transition under the New Economic Policy .
Bajpayee was unable to access the RBI building or meet any serving governor due to the institution's strict confidentiality protocols.
The actor relied on publicly available documents and archival material to prepare for the role. 'Governor' is directed by Chinmay Mandlekar , produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah , and releases on 12 June 2026 .
National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee says curiosity is the cornerstone of his craft — and he believes every actor must cultivate it to deliver authentic performances. Speaking during the promotional run of his upcoming period film 'Governor', the actor argued that intellectual hunger, not just technique, separates good actors from great ones.
Why Curiosity Defines an Actor's Edge
'Governor' marks Bajpayee's return to a demanding, research-intensive role — this time portraying a character modelled after former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor S. Venkitaramanan, whose steady hand helped cushion India's economy during the seismic shifts triggered by the New Economic Policy.
'You have to be curious. Curious about life, curious about anything that is happening in this world,' Bajpayee said. 'Actors don't need to be experts at everything. But definitely, they should have basic information about all the aspects of the world and our society.'
The 'Gangs of Wasseypur' star's point is not abstract — it is rooted in the specific challenge of playing a real-world technocrat from one of India's most opaque institutions.
The RBI Wall: Why Bajpayee Couldn't Walk Into the Building
Unlike many biopics where actors shadow their real-life subjects, Bajpayee had no such access. The RBI, he explained, operates under strict confidentiality protocols that made direct engagement impossible.
'I have not gone inside the building of the RBI. I have not gone to meet any governor of the RBI. And rightly so, because they serve the most important sector of the nation,' he said. 'The entire department is like that. We can't even go inside the department and take a picture of it. It is such a restrictive zone.'
Instead, the actor relied on publicly available documents and archival material. 'The things that were available to us at that time — I still take some of their pages with me. So that if I need the basic information to refer to it, I can do it. So that I don't have the wrong information,' he added.
About 'Governor': The Film and Its Makers
'Governor' is presented by Sunshine Pictures, produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, and directed by Chinmay Mandlekar. It is co-produced by Aashin A. Shah and written by Suvendu Bhattacharyjee, Saurabh Bharat, Ravi Asrani, and Vipul Amrutlal Shah. The film features lyrics by Javed Akhtar and music composed by Amit Trivedi.
The film is set to release on 12 June 2026 — and if Bajpayee's track record with complex, real-world roles is any guide, audiences can expect a performance built on meticulous, if unconventional, research.
Point of View
But on a central banker. If it lands, it could quietly expand what Indian mainstream cinema considers a viable subject for drama.
NationPress
18 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Manoj Bajpayee's upcoming film 'Governor' about?
'Governor' is a period film in which Manoj Bajpayee plays a character modelled after former RBI Governor S. Venkitaramanan, who helped manage India's economy during the major reforms brought in by the New Economic Policy. The film is directed by Chinmay Mandlekar and releases on 12 June 2026.
Why couldn't Manoj Bajpayee meet any RBI officials for his research?
The Reserve Bank of India operates under strict confidentiality protocols, making direct access impossible for outsiders. Bajpayee acknowledged this was appropriate, saying the institution is 'a restrictive zone' where even photographs inside the building are not permitted.
How did Manoj Bajpayee prepare for his role in 'Governor'?
Unable to access the RBI directly, Bajpayee relied on publicly available documents and archival material. He reportedly still carries relevant pages with him as reference to ensure factual accuracy in his portrayal.
Who are the makers of the film 'Governor'?
'Governor' is presented by Sunshine Pictures, produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, and directed by Chinmay Mandlekar. It is co-produced by Aashin A. Shah, with music by Amit Trivedi and lyrics by Javed Akhtar.
What does Manoj Bajpayee believe is the most important quality for an actor?
Bajpayee believes curiosity is the most important quality — not expertise. He argues that actors should have basic knowledge across all aspects of life and society, as that breadth of awareness directly enhances their performances.
