Manoj Bajpayee is a name that resonates with excellence in Indian cinema. Known for his intense performances and ability to portray complex characters, he has become one of the most respected actors in Bollywood.
With a career spanning over three decades, Manoj Bajpayee has left an indelible mark on the industry. This blog post explores his life, career, and achievements in detail.
Early Life and Upbringing
Manoj Bajpayee was born on April 23, 1969, in Belwa Village, West Champaran, Bihar. He grew up in a modest household, with his father, Radhakant Bajpayee, working as a farmer and his mother as a homemaker. Manoj was the second of six siblings and was named after the legendary actor Manoj Kumar.
He attended a “hut school” in his village before moving to Khrist Raja High School in Bettiah. Later, he completed his higher secondary education at Maharani Janaki Kunwar College. Despite financial struggles, Manoj pursued his passion for acting. He moved to Delhi at the age of 17 and enrolled at Ramjas College, where he earned a BA in History.
His dream of joining the National School of Drama (NSD) was met with rejection four times, but he persevered by joining Barry John’s acting workshop.
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manoj Bajpayee |
| Nickname | Manoj |
| Alternative Name(s) | Manoj Bajpai |
| Date of Birth | 23 April 1969 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 55 years |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Birthplace | Belwa, Bihar |
| Hometown | Champaran, Bihar |
| Current Address | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Education Qualification | BA in History |
| Hobbies and Interests | Theatre, Acting, Reading |
| Languages Known | Hindi, English |
| Social Media Profiles | Facebook , Instagram |
| Wikipedia Profile | Manoj Bajpayee Wikipedia |
| IMDb Profile | Manoj Bajpayee IMDb |
| Website | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
| Physical Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Slim |
| Body Measurements | 39-33-12 inches |
| Height | 5’9″, 175 cm |
| Weight | 58 kg |
| Chest | 39 inches |
| Waist | 33 inches |
| Biceps | 12 inches |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Hairstyle | Short, Neat |
| Distinctive Features | Intense Expressions |
| Tattoos | N/A |
Family and Relationships – Boyfriend/Husband, Affairs
Manoj Bajpayee is married to Shabana Raza, also known as Neha, who made her Bollywood debut in the film Kareeb. The couple has a daughter named Ava Nayla Bajpayee. Manoj maintains a close bond with his family and often credits them for his success. Despite his fame, he leads a grounded and private life.
| Relationships Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse – Wife | Shabana Raza (Neha) |
| Father | Radhakant Bajpayee |
| Mother | Geeta Devi |
| Children | Ava Nayla Bajpayee |
| Siblings | Two Brothers, Three Sisters |
| Affairs – Girlfriend(s) | Shabana Raza |
| Significant Relationships | Shabana Raza |
Rise to Stardom
Manoj Bajpayee made his acting debut with minor roles in films like Drohkaal and Bandit Queen (1994). However, his breakthrough came with Satya (1998), where he played the iconic role of Bhiku Mhatre. This performance earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and established him as a force to be reckoned with in Indian cinema.
Following this, Manoj delivered stellar performances in films like Shool (1999), Pinjar (2003), and Gangs of Wasseypur (2012). His ability to bring depth to his characters has made him a favorite among filmmakers and audiences alike.
Manoj Bajpayee – Selfie
Manoj Bajpayee – Debut Film – Drohkaal
Manoj Bajpayee – Successful Film – Satya
Career, Awards, and Achievements
Manoj Bajpayee’s career is adorned with numerous accolades. Some of his notable awards include:
- Padma Shri (2019) for his contribution to the arts.
- National Film Awards for Satya (1999), Pinjar (2003), and Bhonsle (2021).
- Filmfare Awards for Satya, Shool, and Aligarh.
- Asia Pacific Screen Awards for Aligarh (2016) and Bhonsle (2019).
Apart from films, Manoj has also made a mark in web series like The Family Man, earning widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Srikant Tiwari.
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Actor, Producer |
| Debut Film | Drohkaal (1994) |
| Notable Roles | Satya, Shool, Gangs of Wasseypur, The Family Man |
| Recent Films – New Movies | Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai (2023), Gulmohar (2023) |
| Upcoming Films | Police Station Mein Bhoot (2025), Despatch (2024) |
| Popular Television Series | The Family Man, Swabhimaan |
| Awards and Achievements | Padma Shri (2019), 4 National Film Awards, 4 Filmfare Awards |
| Endorsements/Brand Collaborations | Tetmosol Soap, Pan Vilas, ManipalCigna Health Insurance |
| Philanthropy/Charity Work | Nand Ghar Movement |
| Professional Associations | Bollywood Industry, Theatre Productions |
| Training and Education | BA in History, Ramjas College |
| Production Company | Manoj Bajpayee Productions Private Limited |
| Box Office Success – Hit Movies | Raajneeti, Satyameva Jayate, Special 26 |
| Critical Acclaim Movies | Satya, Aligarh, Gangs of Wasseypur, Bhonsle |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Financial Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth in Dollars | $20 Million (approx.) |
| Per Movie Charges in Dollars | $720,000 (approx.) |
| Per Endorsement Charges | $60,000 (approx.) |
| Sponsorship Deals | Tetmosol Soap, Pan Vilas, ManipalCigna Health Insurance |
| Business Ventures | N/A |
| Investments | Commercial Properties in Mumbai |
| Real Estate Holdings | Oberoi Towers, Mahalaxmi Apartment |
| Luxury Items/Properties Owned | Paintings, Designer Furniture |
| Cars Collection | Mercedes GLS, BMW 5-Series, Suzuki Brezza |
Favorite Things, Likes and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | Amitabh Bachchan, Naseeruddin Shah |
| Favorite Actress | Smita Patil, Tabu |
| Favorite Film | Satya, Gangs of Wasseypur |
| Favorite Music Bands | N/A |
| Favorite Sport | Football, Cricket |
| Favorite Books | N/A |
| Favorite Colour | Black, White |
| Favorite Food | Kosha Mangsho, Sorshe Maach |
| Things s/he like | Theatre, Acting, Reading |
| Things s/he dislike | Bollywood Parties, Stereotypes |
Top 5 Best Films – Manoj Bajpayee
| Film Name | Year of Release | Character Played |
|---|---|---|
| Satya | 1998 | Bhiku Mhatre |
| Gangs of Wasseypur | 2012 | Sardar Khan |
| Aligarh | 2016 | Prof. Ramchandra Siras |
| Bhonsle | 2021 | Ganpath Bhonsle |
| The Family Man | 2019–present | Srikant Tiwari |
Controversies – Manoj Bajpayee
- NSD Rejections: Manoj faced rejection from the National School of Drama four times, which deeply affected him.
- Creative Clashes: His disagreements with directors like Ram Gopal Varma during Satya made headlines.
- Typecasting Issues: Manoj has often spoken out against being typecast in certain roles.
- Bold Roles: His portrayal of a gay professor in Aligarh sparked debates but earned critical acclaim.
- OTT Dominance: His transition to web series like The Family Man raised questions about Bollywood’s evolving dynamics.
Interesting Facts – Manoj Bajpayee
- Manoj was named after the legendary actor Manoj Kumar.
- He worked as a theatre artist in Delhi before entering Bollywood.
- Despite financial struggles, he pursued acting with unwavering determination.
- He is a trained classical dancer and has learned the Chhau dance form.
- Manoj is known for his method acting and often immerses himself completely in his roles.
- He has worked in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
Manoj Bajpayee’s journey from a small village in Bihar to becoming one of India’s most celebrated actors is truly inspiring. His dedication to his craft and ability to deliver powerful performances have earned him a special place in Indian cinema.
With a career marked by resilience and excellence, Manoj Bajpayee continues to captivate audiences and set new benchmarks in acting.
