Does Manoj Bajpayee Want to Take on a Romantic Role Like His Peers?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Manoj Bajpayee is open to age-appropriate romantic roles.
- He values authenticity in performances.
- His experiences in theater shape his acting approach.
- Observation is key to his character development.
- Middle-class narratives resonate with audiences.
Mumbai, Sep 7 (NationPress) Critically acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee discussed his thoughts on taking on a romantic role similar to those played by his contemporaries.
In a recent conversation with IANS, he was asked, "With many actors from your generation delving into romantic films, do you have any interest in exploring such roles?"
Bajpayee, known for his role in 'Gangs of Wasseypur', responded: "Certainly, you can't picture me portraying a 25-year-old falling in love with a 20-year-old. Personally, I would not consider such a risk. However, if there is a compelling script and the role suits my age, I wouldn't dismiss it. Love knows no age, right? So, if there's a beautifully crafted script involving a romantic narrative between two middle-aged individuals, why not?"
During the conversation, Bajpayee also reflected on whether he has been typecast in middle-class roles.
He expressed his enjoyment of portraying authentic middle-class characters that resonate with audiences.
Bajpayee emphasized that observing everyday individuals enriches his performances, transforming acting into a rewarding journey.
He noted: "I take pleasure in these roles; I connect with ordinary people. Every character I encounter feels familiar - like someone I've met in real life, in a documentary, during my early days in Mumbai, or even on the train. When we were involved in theater, observation became a crucial exercise for us."
Reflecting on his theater background, the 'The Family Man' actor recounted: "I once mentioned to a director that constant observation might lead to trouble - 'Why are you staring at me?' he countered, saying, 'Observation is an integral part of an actor's identity; even if you're not looking at someone, you're still observing. Make it part of who you are.' Therefore, we actors are observers of our own lives and of society at large."