Long before becoming one of the most respected actors in Indian cinema, Manoj Bajpayee made several difficult career choices that shaped his journey. Appearing on Shekhar Suman’s talk show Shekhar Tonite, the actor looked back on the years following Satya, when he turned down lucrative offers that did not align with his creative ambitions.
During the candid conversation, Manoj also shared a memorable anecdote about working with legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra in Veer-Zaara and revealed the surprising fee he received for his brief but impactful appearance in the film.
Manoj revealed that after the success of Satya, he turned down several lucrative film offers because most of the roles being offered to him were villainous characters, something he did not want to be typecast in. At the same time, the films that genuinely interested him often came with modest pay cheques.
Despite the financial challenges, Manoj said he has never regretted those decisions, believing that staying true to his instincts ultimately helped shape the career he enjoys today.
Manoj revealed that he used to wait to do films with good stories. When Shekhar mentioned that did Veer Zara and asked if he regretted doing the cameo, Manoj denied and said, 'Yash ji called me up, and he asked, 'mere film main cameo hai tu karega kya? Pinjar dekhte hue mujhe laga ki yeh role tu hi kar paayega (There’s a cameo role in my film. Would you do it? After watching Pinjar, I felt that you are the only one who could pull off this role).' Believe me, I didn't even want to hear the script from him because I wanted to be directed by him. I said, Yash ji, just tell me when I have to come. Just tell me the story and character in one line, and I'll come prepared. But Aditya Chopra narrated to me the whole scene.'
Manoj recalled making a request to Yash Chopra after hearing the script, 'I said Yash ji aagli baar jab yaad rakhiyega toh bada role dijiyega. Toh unhone saaf saaf bola, 'bete main tere jaisi actors ke liye kahan film banata hoon aur jo role honge woh tu karega nahi toh yeh waala kar de badia se (I told Yash ji, 'The next time you think of me, please give me a bigger role.' He replied very clearly, 'Son, I don't really make films for actors like you. And even if there are roles for you in my films, you probably won't do them. So just do this one properly and do it well).' I liked that he never promised me anything. I told him I won't take any fees, but he said I will give it to you, and Yash Chopra sent me the same amount that I used to take for doing a lead role in the movie.'
