In a candid revelation, acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee, currently enjoying the success of the web series 'The Family Man 2', shared a deeply personal and amusing anecdote from his early career. The story involves his first, overwhelming encounter with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan.
The Starstruck Moment That Led to a Toilet Hideout
The incident dates back to 1998, following a screening of Ram Gopal Varma's groundbreaking film 'Satya'. Both Amitabh Bachchan and his son, Abhishek Bachchan, were in attendance. For Bajpayee, whose performance in the film was garnering significant attention, the prospect of meeting the megastar was terrifying.
Overcome by nerves and a sense of being starstruck, Bajpayee admitted his instinct was to flee. "I was thrown into that situation where I did not want to face Mr. Bachchan," he recounted in an interview with Galatta Plus. His solution was as simple as it was extreme: "I went and hid myself in a toilet." Unbeknownst to him, Abhishek Bachchan witnessed his hasty retreat.
Frozen in Time by the Big B's Aura
Emerging from his hiding place, the young actor's ordeal was far from over. Abhishek Bachchan approached him and offered warm praise for his work in 'Satya'. Immediately after, the moment Bajpayee had dreaded and dreamed of arrived.
"I saw this tall guy coming and standing right in front of me," Bajpayee said, describing Amitabh Bachchan's approach. "For me, everything froze at that moment." The actor's recollection perfectly captures the paralyzing effect of Bachchan's immense presence, a feeling shared by many in the industry.
Reflecting on that aura years later, Bajpayee expressed profound respect. "I do not think my performances can do that to anyone," he stated humbly. "Mr. Bachchan has been a personality that… I do not think anybody has seen that stature ever."
From Nervous Fan to Esteemed Colleague
The beauty of this story lies in its evolution. What began as a moment of pure, unadulterated awe eventually transformed into professional collaboration. Manoj Bajpayee did not remain the starstruck newcomer for long.
He went on to share the screen with Amitabh Bachchan in several notable films, including:
- 'Aks' (2001)
- 'Aarakshan' (2011)
- 'Satyagraha' (2012)
This journey from hiding in a bathroom to acting alongside his idol underscores Bajpayee's remarkable trajectory in Hindi cinema. It is a testament to his talent and perseverance, proving that even the most daunting beginnings can lead to peer-level recognition. The anecdote remains a cherished, if slightly embarrassing, memory from the early chapter of a distinguished career.
