We should discard the terms ‘insider-outsider’: Manoj Bajpayee

Ever since actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, the discussions about nepotism, lobbying and camps in Bollywood have sparked an outrage. “Earlier, nepotism was talked about in a hushhush manner, but in the last few years, it has become louder,” says actor Manoj Bajpayee, 51, who feels that he was also a “victim” of it. “We should discard the terms ‘insider-outsider’ as it was started by the people who matter... I am more interested in the industry becoming democratic and the system being corrected,” he adds.

The actor urges those with influence in the industry to do their part in bringing about a change. “If you are a wellestablished person in the industry — whether you are an insider or outsider — it is your job to make sure that this system changes for good. We have to ensure this by supporting talent. We should be helpful to people coming from outside as they are walking uphill. I want to see the industry thriving in a healthy way. You may call me an idiot, but I am hopeful,” he says.

Ask Bajpayee how he feels about the way Bollywood is looked upon right now with the common man’s anger erupting on social media, and he says, “We have to correct ourselves if we want to be respected. Everyone I meet talks about the industry in a suspicious and negative manner.” Meanwhile, the business aspect of the industry, too, seems bleak. Theatres won’t open for a while and shoots, too, will take time. Moreover, medium and small budget films are scheduled to release on OTT platforms. The actor admits that small budget films don’t “get distributors or buyers, don’t get enough shows in theatres”. He adds, “The audiences, too, don’t go see such films on the first weekend. I don’t want to be called a messiah, but I continue to be a part of such stories, as the resolve to be a part of good cinema, to work with great storytellers and new directors is bigger than the result.” n