Manoj Bajpayee is the utlimate hero who broke Bollywood stereotypes – here’s proof

When it comes to quintessential Bollywood heroes, well, they are supposed to be tall, dark and handsome. Now while the abs and vanity are on point for some, there are few actors who broke the stereotype and made their mark purely on the basis of their talent. And Manoj Bajpayee is one fine example of that. Interestingly, Manoj was rejected by the National School of Drama but he still made it to Bollywood and today he is one of the best actors in the industry. Recently, he was honoured with the Padma Shri award by the Government of India and he rightly deserved it. In fact, if there is one actor who can pull off any role with great perfection than it’s him. He is truly the most versatile hero in Bollywood and as he turns 50, we walk down the memory lane and recall 5 of his most iconic roles.

SATYA

Satya stills

“Mumbai ka King kaun? Bhiku Mhatre.”

Bhiku from Satya is an immortal character. He is the soul of the film; he understands what this city (Mumbai) is and thus rules it. Manoj Bajpayee will forever remain Bhiku Matre for every 90s kid and will always have a special place in our hearts. For a man who began his journey with a small role in Bandit Queen, Satya brought him to the centre stage and how!

ALIGARH

Aligarh Stills

“Tumlog ye shabd ke piche kyon pad jate ho, kabhi love ko samajhne ki koshish kiya karo, it’s a beautiful word.”

Playing a homosexual man and teaching us what love is and how it feels to be judged for your choice, Manoj Bajpayee with this film shattered the glass ceiling in the Indian cinema for good. Professor Siras was a man who was isolated in his own thoughts but then he knew what life is. Yes, he is homosexual but he doesn’t allow the world to judge him by his sexual inclination. Manoj brought a melancholic tune to the character and the nuance with which he pulled off Siras will always be with us.

PINJAR

Pinjar stills

Set in the backdrop of Partition, the film stars Manoj as an abductor who falls in love with the girl he kidnaps. Since her family doesn’t accept her when she returns, Puro eventually goes back to her kidnapper and they get married. Manoj’s transition from being the ruthless abductor to a loving husband won many hearts and he also won the special jury National Award for Pinjar.

GANGS OF WASSEYPUR

Gangas of Wasseypur stills

“Ye Wasseypur hai yahan kabootar bhi ek pankh se udhta hai, aur doosre se apna izzat bachata hai.”

Sardar Khan was the best part about Wasseypur. If you have heard the dialogue ‘Keh ke lenge’ then let us tell you it was given by Manoj. His performance as Sardar Khan in the film was the highlight point and there is no doubt that he made the journey of Wasseypur worthwhile.

RAAJNEETI

Raajneeti Stills

“Aasmaan mein thookne waale ko shayad pata nahi hai, ki palat ke thook unhi ke chehre par giregi.”

As an actor, Manoj Bajpayee has various shades to him and this performance of his proves it. Playing the villain Virendra Pratap or Duryodhan with the same finesse, the actor rocked in Raajneeti and how. Prakash Jha’s political drama would have definitely been incomplete without him.

Lastly, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration if we said there can never be too much of Manoj Bajpayee and so we want him to continue his good work. Happy Birthday, Superstar!