‘For newcomers in mainstream films, looks come before acting’

Actor Manoj Bajpayee, who has been a part of critically-acclaimed films such as Aligarh (2016) and Gangs Of Wasseypur (2012), believes that there is a clear division between newcomers in commercial films and parallel cinema. “Mainstream cinema has a different kind of requirement, and acting comes last. The newcomers are not expected to work on their craft, but rather build their body, look good and sport six-pack abs. What can they do?” he says. He adds that there’s “another” kind of cinema which emphasises on acting well, instead. “There are newcomers who are trying to be a part of meaningful cinema. I find a lot of talent coming up there, and meet such people on an everyday basis! They are willing to be a part of new stories and content,” he says. The 48-year old, who will be next seen in Aiyaary, also featuring Sidharth Malhotra and Rakul Preet Singh, has been a part of Hindi films for almost 23 years now. But he gets irritated when you ask him whether he feels he has got his due as an actor in the industry. “I am sick and tired of these questions. We need to go beyond this due, no due. You only think of it when you leave or quit work. I am doing exactly what I set out to do. I don’t know what ‘due’ you are expecting me to get in an industry, which is popularly known as commercial cinema! Do you think I should be a part of this cinema more? I can’t be. They don’t require me, I don’t require them,” he says.