Bollywood’s insider-outsider debate continues to raise questions about opportunities, connections and success. However, Manoj Bajpayee believes the industry’s biggest misconception lies in its claim of being one big family.
The Veer-Zaara actor offered a blunt assessment of professional relationships in Hindi cinema. Despite spending years in the business, he says he has never felt a strong sense of belonging. For him, talent and the quality of one’s work matter more than social circles.
Manoj Bajpayee Questions Bollywood’s ‘Family’ Image
Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Bajpayee challenged the notion that an actor needs to belong to a particular neighbourhood or social group to make it in the industry.
He explained, “You need not necessarily have to be from Bandra only. You can be in Malad and still be acting.” His point was clear: an actor’s ability should carry more weight than their background or connections.
The actor also questioned whether genuine camaraderie exists among industry professionals. He described how actors, directors and production houses often operate in competition rather than as members of a united community.
“The biggest illusion is that the industry is a fraternity. It isn’t like a family. All the offices are built separately, nobody parties with anyone, nobody calls anyone when they like their film. No actor feels happy on seeing someone else succeed. No director thinks of himself lesser than the other director. No production house is happy to see any other production house earn more money. So, remove all these things from your mind,” he said.
‘Everyone Is Fighting Their Own Battle’
Bajpayee also spoke about maintaining distance from the industry’s approval and disapproval. He explained that his priorities remain simple: concentrate on his craft, collect his payment and return home. Whether people praise or criticise him, he does not allow their opinions to dictate his life.
He added that everyone must learn to navigate their own struggles instead of expecting others to offer support.
Manoj said, “Forget about me, anybody from the industry, no matter how many times they say ‘industry is a fraternity’- No, industry is a bullsh*t. There is no fraternity here. All of us are fighting our own battle, and you should be well-equipped to fight your own battle. Nobody is going to help you. If somebody comes to you, that must be a good day, that’s it.”
On The Work Front
Meanwhile, Bajpayee is featured in Netflix’s Gajab Raat. His candid remarks offer another perspective on the competitive nature of the film business and the importance of building an independent identity within it.
