Acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee has shared his profound affection for portraying characters from Delhi, revealing that stories rooted in the capital city resonate deeply with him. The actor, who is eagerly awaiting the release of his upcoming OTT film 'Ghooskhor Pandat', expressed how his personal experiences in Delhi shape his approach to such roles.
Bajpayee's Emotional Connection to Delhi
Attending a Netflix event in Mumbai on Tuesday, Bajpayee opened up about his latest character, stating, "No, this character is not intense but on the wrong side of the law. In the teaser, as I was watching, you get to hear the fundamentals of the character. From the time he joined the service, he is still at the same rank. He is a scorer, a womanizer, he is a married man, but he still loves a girl."
He further elaborated on his connection to Delhi-based narratives, saying, "This is a story of such a place, where I have spent many years of my life. Where I did theatre, I did graduation in Delhi. So in my life, any film which is set in Delhi, I enjoy it a lot. Because I have seen Delhi first as an outsider when I was 18 years old. And when I left it, I left it for Bandit Queen. I really enjoy playing the characters of the people of Delhi. Especially this character of a police officer. So I enjoyed it."
Bajpayee also extended his gratitude to director Ritesh, praising him for crafting a "magnificent, very interesting, very colorful character" that allowed him to explore the nuances of Delhi life through performance.
A Stellar 2025 for the Versatile Actor
The year 2025 proved to be another remarkable chapter in Manoj Bajpayee's illustrious career. He delivered a standout performance in 'Inspector Zende', a Hindi action-comedy thriller that premiered in September. Portraying the eccentric yet intelligent Inspector Madhukar Zende, Bajpayee engaged in a thrilling cat-and-mouse game opposite Jim Sarbh, captivating audiences with the film's fast-paced narrative.
Additionally, Bajpayee took on another challenging role in 'Jugnuma: The Fable', an ambitious project directed by Raam Reddy. The film, presented by Guneet Monga and Anurag Kashyap, unfolds across the mystical Himalayan region and has been praised at prestigious international festivals such as Berlinale and Leeds. This selection underscores Bajpayee's talent for choosing deeply layered, unconventional stories that push creative boundaries.
Furthermore, the actor continued to dominate the digital space with the highly anticipated 'The Family Man Season 3' on Amazon Prime Video. Returning as the beloved spy Srikant Tiwari, Bajpayee reaffirmed his status as a powerhouse performer in the streaming era, drawing critical acclaim and fan admiration alike.
Exciting Projects on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Manoj Bajpayee has an exciting slate of projects that promise to showcase his versatility. Among them is the Hindi adaptation of Aravind Adiga's 'Last Man in Tower', backed by Rana Daggubati's Spirit Media. This venture highlights Bajpayee's commitment to engaging with compelling literary works and bringing them to life on screen.
As the entertainment landscape evolves, Bajpayee remains a steadfast figure, consistently selecting roles that challenge him and resonate with audiences. His dedication to storytelling, particularly through Delhi-centric narratives, continues to enrich Indian cinema and OTT platforms.
