Manoj Bajpayee has shifted focus to working in smaller, independent films over the last decade. In a recent interview, the National Award-winning actor talks about his love for independent films and what it would take to get him back to mainstream cinema.
When asked if his diversification in filmography was a conscious thought or accidental, Bajpayee replied, 'My heart is in independent cinema.' He enjoys the thrill of taking on challenging roles that surprise even those close to him.
While big-budget films continue to come his way, Bajpayee views them as a '40-50 din ki picnic' – a 40-50 day picnic – where he can have fun and work hard, but without the intensity of independent films.
However, he admits that the temptation to return to mainstream cinema is growing, especially with age and the physical demands of intense, independent films taking a toll on him.
Bajpayee's latest film, Governor, is a small-budget independent film that got a limited release in India last weekend. Directed by Chinmay D. Mandlekar, the film stars Bajpayee as S. Venkitaramanan, the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, and recounts his role in saving India from the 1990 economic crisis.
