‘I always called myself successful’

Says Manoj Bajpayee, satisfied with how his career took shape

Success is relative, says actor Manoj Bajpayee (above), who has always been proud of his work ever since he entered the film industry almost two decades back. The 46-year-old, who started his career with the TV show, Swabhiman, says he has always been satisfied with his career graph.

“Some people are happy with R20, others ` R20 crore to stay happy. Success and happiness are relative (concepts). I was so happy that I got a chance to act that it became my success This is why I always called myself successful. I feel that I’m blessed to be a part of this (acting) profession,” he says.

Bajpayee, whose short film, Jai Hind, received a lot of appreciation, says he wants to make more films in the format. “The short film industry is only going to get bigger. I always wanted to be a part of it, but I never got the chance. Now, I won’t stop with just one film. I’ll do many more,” he says.

Bajpayee adds that short films are more challenging. “I feel that they’re as tough or sometimes even more than a full-length film. You have to shoot the entire thing in just two days and say a lot (more) in just a few minutes. The format makes you work harder,” says the actor, adding: “Also, social media is a rage now, another reason behind these films doing well. As for Jai Hind, the film was very different and that attracted many people towards it.”

Meanwhile, Bajpayee is open to taking up a smallscreen project. “I only look for interesting projects, they can be on TV as well. I don’t let money be the criteria for me to take on work, as things get boring then,” he says.

Success and happiness is relative. I was so happy that I got a chance to act that it became my success The short film industry is only going to get bigger now. I always wanted to be a part of those films, but never got the chance