Manoj Bajpayee

{{Infobox person

| name = Manoj Bajpayee

| image = Manoj Bajpai at 52nd IFFI.jpg

| caption = Bajpayee in 2021

| alt = Manoj Bajpayee at IFFI

| birth_date = {{birth date and age |df=yes|1969|4|23}}

| birth_place = Belwa, Bihar, India

| occupation = Actor

| alma mater = Delhi University

| yearsactive = 1993–present

| spouse = {{Marriage|Shabana Raza|2006}}

| children = 1

| honours = Padma Shri (2019)

| works = Full list

| awards = Full list

}}

Manoj Bajpayee (born 23 April 1969), also transliterated as Manoj Bajpai, is an Indian actor who predominantly works in Hindi cinema. He is the recipient of numerous accolades including four National Film Awards, four Filmfare Awards, and two Asia Pacific Screen Awards. In 2019, he was awarded the Padma Shri.

Born in a small village in Bihar, Bajpayee aspired to become an actor since childhood. He relocated to Delhi at the age of seventeen, and applied for the National School of Drama, only to be rejected four times. He continued to do theatre while studying in college. Bajpayee made his feature film debut with minor roles in Drohkaal (1994) and Bandit Queen (both 1994). He had his breakthrough playing a gangster in Ram Gopal Varma's 1998 crime drama Satya, for which he won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor. He then acted in films such as Kaun? (1999) and Shool (1999). For the latter, he won his second Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor.

Bajpayee won the Special Jury National Award for Pinjar (2003). This was followed by a series of brief, unnoticed roles in films that failed to propel his career forward. He then played a greedy politician in the political thriller Raajneeti (2010). In 2012, Bajpayee played the lead role in Gangs of Wasseypur. His next roles were as a Naxalite in Chakravyuh (2012), and a CBI officer in Special 26 (2013). In 2016, he portrayed Professor Ramchandra Siras, in Hansal Mehta's biographical drama Aligarh, for which he won his third Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor and the Best Actor Award at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film Bhonsle. He also won the Filmfare OTT Award for Best Actor for the thriller series The Family Man (2021–present).{{cite web|last=Sharma|first=Sandeep|title=Filmfare OTT Best Actor Award|url=https://news24online.com/news/entertainment/filmfare-ott-awards-2021-manoj-bajpayee-samantha-clinch-top-honours-family-man-475ba28d/|website=News24online|access-date=11 December 2021|archive-date=11 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211110756/https://news24online.com/news/entertainment/filmfare-ott-awards-2021-manoj-bajpayee-samantha-clinch-top-honours-family-man-475ba28d/|url-status=dead}}

Early and personal life

Bajpayee was born in a Hindu Brahmin family{{Cite news|title=Manoj Bajpayee believes in Lord Shiva|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/manoj-bajpayee-believes-in-lord-shiva/articleshow/9063387.cms|access-date=2 January 2022|website=The Times of India|date=2 July 2011 |language=en}} on 23 April 1969 in a small village called Belwa near the city Bettiah in West Champaran, Bihar.{{cite web|url=http://www.koimoi.com/actor/manoj-bajpai/|title=Manoj Bajpai's Biography|publisher=Koimoi|access-date=14 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002042715/http://www.koimoi.com/actor/manoj-bajpai/|archive-date=2 October 2015}} He is the second child among his five other siblings, and was named after actor Manoj Kumar.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/I-wanted-to-commit-suicide-after-I-was-rejected-by-NSD-Manoj-Bajpayee/articleshow/18399539.cms?referral=PM|title=I wanted to commit suicide after I was rejected by NSD: Manoj Bajpayee|last=Gupta|first=Priya|work=The Times of India|date=9 February 2013|access-date=29 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131144520/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/I-wanted-to-commit-suicide-after-I-was-rejected-by-NSD-Manoj-Bajpayee/articleshow/18399539.cms?referral=PM|archive-date=31 January 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/ul0O5gNwKGArQhedU17b7J/Manoj-Bajpayee-The-original-indie-star.html|title=Manoj Bajpayee: The original indie star|last=Bhatia|first=Uday|work=Mint|date=7 December 2015|access-date=8 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208233123/http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/ul0O5gNwKGArQhedU17b7J/Manoj-Bajpayee-The-original-indie-star.html|archive-date=8 December 2015}} One of his younger sisters Poonam Dubey, is a fashion designer in the film industry.{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/brother-manoj-bajpayee-pushed-me-into-designing-poonam-dubey-113101200383_1.html|title=Brother Manoj Bajpayee pushed me into designing: Poonam Dubey|work=Business Standard|date=12 October 2013|access-date=10 December 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211061336/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/brother-manoj-bajpayee-pushed-me-into-designing-poonam-dubey-113101200383_1.html|archive-date=11 December 2015}} His father was a farmer and his mother was a housewife. As a son of a farmer, Bajpayee would do farming during their vacation. Since childhood, he wanted to become an actor.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/10/22/stories/2002102200280400.htm|title=From Bihar to Bollywood ... a long journey|last=Salam|first=Ziya Us|author-link=Ziya Us Salam|work=The Hindu|date=22 October 2002|access-date=6 December 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040116022313/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/10/22/stories/2002102200280400.htm|archive-date=16 January 2004}}

File:Neha-Manoj-Bajpai.jpg at the premiere of Raajneeti in 2010]]

His father struggled to gather funds for their education. He studied in a "hut school" till fourth standard, and later did his schooling at Khrist Raja High School, Bettiah.{{cite news |last1=Mar 17 |first1=Abhay Mohan Jha / Updated |title='Aligarh'-acclaimed actor essays double role in Bettiah |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/aligarh-acclaimed-actor-essays-double-role-in-bettiah/articleshow/51448217.cms |work=The Times of India |language=en}} He completed his 12th class from Maharani Janaki Kunwar College in Bettiah.

He moved to New Delhi at the age of seventeen and went to Satyawati, then to Ramjas College, Delhi University. Bajpayee had heard about the National School of Drama from actors such as Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah, so he applied. He was rejected three times and wanted to commit suicide afterward. He then attended director and acting coach Barry John's workshop after actor Raghubir Yadav's suggestion. Impressed by Bajpayee's acting, John hired him to assist him in his teaching. After that he applied at the National School of Drama for the fourth time, and they offered him a teaching position at the school instead.

Bajpayee was married to a girl from Delhi, but got divorced during his period of struggle. He met actress Shabana Raza, who is also known as Neha, right after her debut film Kareeb (1998). The couple married in 2006 and they have a daughter.{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/i-was-just-happy-being-mrs-manoj-bajpai-neha/story-U1BfBuTMkOrQr4JPRdzpQK.html|title=I was just happy being Mrs. Manoj Bajpai: Neha|last=Jha|first=Subhash K.|author-link=Subhash K. Jha|work=Hindustan Times|date=5 March 2008|access-date=9 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205125831/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/i-was-just-happy-being-mrs-manoj-bajpai-neha/story-U1BfBuTMkOrQr4JPRdzpQK.html|archive-date=5 December 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.filmfare.com/interviews/manoj-bajpayee-my-wife-rarely-praises-me-975.html|title=Manoj Bajpayee: My wife rarely praises me|last=Sharma|first=Suman|work=Filmfare|date=1 August 2012|access-date=9 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222135637/http://www.filmfare.com/interviews/manoj-bajpayee-my-wife-rarely-praises-me-975.html|archive-date=22 December 2015}}

Career

= 1994–2001: Debut and breakthrough =

Following his one-minute role in Govind Nihalani's Drohkaal (1994), Bajpayee acted in the biographical drama Bandit Queen (1994). Tigmanshu Dhulia, the casting director of the film suggested his name to its director Shekhar Kapur.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/badlands-bad-guy/article3525924.ece|title=Badland's bad guy|work=The Hindu|date=14 June 2012|access-date=29 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203081458/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/badlands-bad-guy/article3525924.ece|archive-date=3 February 2018}} Bajpai was considered for the role of dacoit Vikram Mallah in the film, which eventually went to Nirmal Pandey. Bajpayee got the role of dacoit Mann Singh in the film. During that time, he also did a television serial called Kalakaar, directed by Hansal Mehta and Imtihaan (Doordarshan).

Bajpayee was a struggling actor when Mahesh Bhatt offered him the soap opera Swabhimaan (1995), which aired on Doordarshan.{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120701/jsp/7days/story_15677164.jsp|title=The industry makes me sit at home most of the time|last=Verma|first=Smitha|work=The Telegraph|date=1 July 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109141204/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120701/jsp/7days/story_15677164.jsp#.VmQ067Kqqkp|archive-date=9 November 2014}} He agreed to do the serial at a low fee.{{cite news|url=http://www.mid-day.com/photos/photos-30-bollywood-stars-and-their-tales-of-struggle/4568/39842|title=30 Bollywood stars and their tales of struggle|work=Mid-Day|access-date=29 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208094352/http://www.mid-day.com/photos/photos-30-bollywood-stars-and-their-tales-of-struggle/4568/39842|archive-date=8 December 2015}} Next, Bajpayee appeared in minor roles in films such as Dastak (1996) and Tamanna (1997).{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/jul/11man.htm|title=Powerful performer|last=Rajyadhyaksha|first=Mrudula|work=Rediff.com|date=11 July 1998|access-date=29 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105121453/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/jul/11man.htm|archive-date=5 January 2016}} Director Ram Gopal Varma discovered Bajpayee when he was casting for Daud (1997), a comedy film, where he had a supporting role. Following completion of the filming, Varma expressed his regret for offering Bajpayee a minor role.{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/after-satya-success-manoj-bajpai-ram-gopal-varma-hold-promise-for-the-future/1/264870.html|title=Two of a kind|last=Chopra|first=Anupama|work=India Today|date=31 August 1998|access-date=29 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208162922/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/after-satya-success-manoj-bajpai-ram-gopal-varma-hold-promise-for-the-future/1/264870.html|archive-date=8 December 2015}} He then promised Bajpayee a prominent role in his next film. Satya (1998), a crime drama, was their next film together. In the film, Bajpayee played gangster Bhiku Mhatre, who accompanies the title character to form their nexus in the Mumbai underworld.{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/film-review-satya-starring-urmila-matondkar-j-d-chakravarty-manoj-bajpai/1/264589.html|title=Nowhere man|last=Chopra|first=Anupama|work=India Today|date=20 July 1998|access-date=29 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208120158/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/film-review-satya-starring-urmila-matondkar-j-d-chakravarty-manoj-bajpai/1/264589.html|archive-date=8 December 2015}}

Satya was mostly shot in the real slums of Mumbai. It was screened at the 1998 International Film Festival of India and opened to mostly positive reviews.{{cite news|url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/FrmIP1998Award.aspx?PdfName=IP1998.pdf|title=The Indian Panorama 1998|publisher=International Film Festival of India|access-date=29 November 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304105726/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/FrmIP1998Award.aspx?PdfName=IP1998.pdf|archive-date=4 March 2016}} Anupama Chopra called Bajpayee and others' performances "[..] so good that you can almost smell the Mumbai grime on their sweaty bodies." The film was a commercial success, and Bajpayee won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for his performance.{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/Years/year_world_total/1998|title=Top Worldwide Grossers 1998|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318000438/http://boxofficeindia.com/Years/year_world_total/1998#.VbxZD9xViko|archive-date=18 March 2015 }}{{cite web|url=http://dff.nic.in/2011/46_nff_1999.pdf|title=46th National Film Awards|publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals|access-date=12 March 2012|pages=28–29|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310180429/http://dff.nic.in/2011/46_nff_1999.pdf|archive-date=10 March 2016}} Filmfare later included his performance in the 2010 issue of Bollywood's "Top 80 Iconic Performances".{{cite news|url=http://filmfare.com/articles/80-iconic-performances-310-953.html|title=80 Iconic Performances 3/10|work=Filmfare|date=4 June 2010|access-date=12 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110627103954/http://www.filmfare.com/articles/80-iconic-performances-310-953.html|archive-date=27 June 2011}} Bajpayee then collaborated with Verma in the year 1999 with Kaun? and Shool; with Verma directing the former and producing the latter. Kaun, was a whodunit with only three characters in a house, where Bajpayee played an annoying talkative stranger.{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-manoj-bajpayees-top-10-performances/20130903.htm#8|title=Manoj Bajpayee's Top 10 Performances|last=Tuteja|first=Joginder|work=Rediff.com|date=September 2013|access-date=28 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105115549/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-manoj-bajpayees-top-10-performances/20130903.htm#8|archive-date=5 January 2016}} The film was a box office disappointment.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oW0-CQAAQBAJ&q=manoj+bajpai+preparing+for+shool&pg=PA204|title=Studying Indian Cinema|last=Ahmed|first=Omar|publisher=Columbia University Press|year=2015|isbn=978-0-9932384-9-9|pages=204|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208152658/https://books.google.com/books?id=oW0-CQAAQBAJ&pg=PA204&lpg=PA204&dq=manoj+bajpai+preparing+for+shool&source=bl&ots=5-g4HZEh7f&sig=cJppv1WqJPYq0wHUlD_oqjgy2m8&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjE-fPs2rDJAhXICI4KHaITB8EQ6AEIOTAG#v=onepage&q=manoj%20bajpai%20preparing%20for%20shool&f=false|archive-date=8 December 2015}} Shool saw him play the role of an honest police officer who finds himself in the politician-criminal nexus of the Motihari district in Bihar. Sify labelled Bajpayee's performance in the film as "truly amazing [..] especially the emotional scenes with Raveena Tandon."{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/shool-review-bollywood-pcltSrcffcfcb.html|title=Shool|website=Sify|access-date=28 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211134801/http://www.sify.com/movies/shool-review-bollywood-pcltSrcffcfcb.html|archive-date=11 December 2015|url-status=dead}} The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi, with Bajpayee winning the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Performance.{{cite web|url=http://dff.nic.in/2011/47th_nff_2000.pdf|title=47th National Film Awards|publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals|access-date=13 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022161229/http://dff.nic.in/2011/47th_nff_2000.pdf|archive-date=22 October 2013|url-status=live}} He also acted in the Telugu romantic film Prema Katha (1999).{{cite web|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/prema-katha/|title=Prema Katha (1999)|publisher=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=28 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312075343/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/prema-katha/|archive-date=12 March 2016}}

The year 2000 started for Bajpayee with the comedy Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar!! and the crime drama Ghaath, both alongside Tabu.{{cite web|last=Das|first=Ronjita|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/dec/09ghaath.htm|title=A cop-out!|work=Rediff.com|date=9 December 2000|access-date=4 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924140623/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/dec/09ghaath.htm|archive-date=24 September 2015}} A dialogue from the former sparked controversy in some political parties.{{cite news|url=http://zeenews.india.com/blog/its-time-for-raj-thackeray-to-wake-up_475.html|title=It's time for Raj Thackeray to wake up|last=Srivastava|first=Ritesh K|publisher=Zee News|date=11 October 2009|access-date=27 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208153432/http://zeenews.india.com/blog/its-time-for-raj-thackeray-to-wake-up_475.html|archive-date=8 December 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Raj-Thackeray-is-a-master-rapist-Hansal-Mehta/articleshow/5096770.cms|title=Raj Thackeray is a master rapist: Hansal Mehta|work=The Times of India|date=7 October 2009|access-date=27 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221233754/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Raj-Thackeray-is-a-master-rapist-Hansal-Mehta/articleshow/5096770.cms|archive-date=21 February 2017}} Bajpayee's first release in 2001 was Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's supernatural thriller Aks. His negative portrayal of Raghavan Ghatge, a criminal who dies and is reincarnated in the body of Manu Verma (played by Amitabh Bachchan),{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2001/07/20/stories/09200223.htm|title=Film Review: Aks|date=20 July 2001|access-date=27 November 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203081458/http://www.thehindu.com/2001/07/20/stories/09200223.htm|archive-date=3 February 2018|work=The Hindu}} garnered him the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role nomination. It was followed by Shyam Benegal's Zubeidaa, co-starring Rekha and Karisma Kapoor. He played Maharaja Vijayendra Singh of Fatehpur, a polo enthusiast prince with two wives. His character was inspired by Hanwant Singh, the Maharaja of Jodhpur.{{cite news|url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/how-bollywood-actors-have-fared-in-their-royal-avatars/15592198|title=How Bollywood actors have fared in their royal avatars|last=Banerjee|first=Urmimala|work=Mid-Day|date=11 September 2014|access-date=27 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208124715/http://www.mid-day.com/articles/how-bollywood-actors-have-fared-in-their-royal-avatars/15592198|archive-date=8 December 2015}}

= 2002–09: Career struggle =

Bajpayee's sole release of 2002 was the road thriller Road. He played the antagonist in the film, a hitchhiker who turns out to be a psychopathic killer, after taking a lift from a couple (played by Vivek Oberoi and Antara Mali).{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2002/sep/27road.htm|title=So, does Vivek live up to the hype?|last=Verma|first=Sukanya|work=Rediff.com|date=27 September 2002|access-date=14 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924131719/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2002/sep/27road.htm|archive-date=24 September 2015}} Bajpayee received another Filmfare nomination for Best Performance in a Negative Role, for the film. Pinjar (2003), a period drama, set during the partition of India, was Bajpayee's first release of the year. Directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi, the film was based on a Punjabi novel of the same name.{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/film-review-of-chandraprakash-dwivedi-pinjar/1/205480.html|title=Slow saga|last=Chopra|first=Anupama|work=India Today|date=10 November 2003|access-date=14 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117032436/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/film-review-of-chandraprakash-dwivedi-pinjar/1/205480.html|archive-date=17 November 2015}} He received the National Film Special Jury Award for his performance in the film.{{cite web|url=http://dff.nic.in/2011/51st_nff_2004.pdf|title=51st National Film Awards|publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals|access-date=15 March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130821032408/http://dff.nic.in/2011/51st_nff_2004.pdf|archive-date=21 August 2013}} He subsequently portrayed Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav in J. P. Dutta's ensemble war film LOC: Kargil.{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/history/kargil/305-the-real-story.html|title=The Real Story behind LOC Kargil Movie|publisher=Bharat Rakshak|last=Patel|first=Y. I|date=12 October 2006|access-date=8 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117024928/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/history/kargil/305-the-real-story.html|archive-date=17 November 2015|url-status=live}} It was based on the Kargil War, and Bajpayee was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for it. Both the films were commercially unsuccessful.{{cite web|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/Star_Cast/actor_detail/manoj_bajpai/actor|title=Manoj Bajpai Filmography|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=14 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117015231/http://boxofficeindia.com/Star_Cast/actor_detail/manoj_bajpai/actor#.Vmp50LKqqkp|archive-date=17 November 2015 }}

Bajpayee's next roles were in Jaago (2004) opposite Raveena Tandon, Makarand Deshpande's Hanan and the thriller Inteqam.{{cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/parties-and-events/cast-and-crew-at-dvd-launch-of-tamas/|title=Inteqam|website=Bollywood Hungama|date=13 August 2011 |access-date=14 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117021102/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/503635/Inteqam|archive-date=17 November 2015}} In Jaago, he played a police officer who takes the situation into his own hands, after his 10-year-old daughter is raped and killed.{{cite web|url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/feb/06jaago.htm|title=Why make a film on rape?|last=Verma|first=Sukanya|work=Rediff.com|date=6 February 2004|access-date=14 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117020755/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/feb/06jaago.htm|archive-date=17 November 2015}} The same year, he appeared in a supporting role in Yash Chopra's romantic drama Veer-Zaara (2004). The film was screened at the 55th Berlin Film Festival, and grossed over {{INRConvert|940|m}} globally, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year.{{cite web|title=Yash Chopra on Berlin Film Festival Jury|date=18 January 2006|url=http://www.yashrajfilms.com/news/yc_berlinaile.htm|publisher=Yash Raj Films|access-date=17 October 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070618144056/http://www1.yashrajfilms.com/news/yc_berlinaile.htm|archive-date=18 June 2007}}{{cite web|title=Top Lifetime Grossers Worldwide |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=312&catName=TGlmZXRpbWU= |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=9 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015223626/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=312&catName=TGlmZXRpbWU%3D |archive-date=15 October 2013 |url-status=dead }} In 2005, Bajpayee acted in Dharmesh Darshan's drama Bewafaa, the thriller Fareb, and the English language film Return to Rajapur.{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/feb/25bewaf.htm|title=Hum Aapke Hain Corn!|last=Sen|first=Raja|author-link=Raja Sen|work=Rediff.com|date=25 February 2005|access-date=13 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304125657/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/feb/25bewaf.htm|archive-date=4 March 2016}}{{cite news|title=Fareb movie review|url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/jul102005/movies174158200579.asp|access-date=24 November 2014|work=Deccan Herald|date=10 July 2005|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117022236/http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/jul102005/movies174158200579.asp|archive-date=17 November 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://tribecafilm.com/filmguide/archive/512cf9c61c7d76e046001f63-return-to-rajapur|title=Return to Rajapur|publisher=Tribeca Film Festival|access-date=13 November 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117023218/https://tribecafilm.com/filmguide/archive/512cf9c61c7d76e046001f63-return-to-rajapur|archive-date=17 November 2015}} He also acted in the Telugu romance Happy (2006).{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/article3246001.ece|title=It's a 'Happy' flick all the way|work=The Hindu|date=28 January 2006|access-date=3 January 2010}}

In 2007, Bajpayee played Major Suraj Singh in 1971. The film tells the story of six Indian army soldiers, who escape from the Pakistani prison after they were captured during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.{{cite news|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070408/spectrum/main9.htm|title=Story of a loss in victory|last=Chatterji|first=Shoma A.|work=The Tribune|date=8 April 2007|access-date=13 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081320/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070408/spectrum/main9.htm|archive-date=4 March 2016}} Rajeev Masand of CNN-IBN, criticised the film but wrote: "[Bajpayee] is in great form, he holds back mostly and in the process, constructs a character that says more with his eyes than with words."{{cite web|url=http://www.rajeevmasand.com/uncategorized/masands-verdict-1971/|title=Masand's verdict: 1971|last=Masand|first=Rajeev|publisher=CNN-IBN|access-date=13 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117015159/http://www.rajeevmasand.com/uncategorized/masands-verdict-1971/|archive-date=17 November 2015}} He next starred opposite Juhi Chawla in Ganesh Acharya's drama film Swami.{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jun/04ganesh.htm|title=Swami has the Malgudi Days effect|last=N|first=Patcy|work=Rediff.com|date=4 June 2007|access-date=13 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304125807/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jun/04ganesh.htm|archive-date=4 March 2016}} Bajpayee's final release of the year was the anthology film Dus Kahaniyaan. He acted in the Sanjay Gupta – directed story Zahir alongside Dia Mirza.{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071126/asp/entertainment/story_8594178.asp|title=One tight slap|last=Gupta|first=Pratim D.|author-link=Pratim D. Gupta|work=The Telegraph|date=26 November 2007|access-date=13 November 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117023417/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071126/asp/entertainment/story_8594178.asp|archive-date=17 November 2015}} All of his 2007 releases were financial failures. Next year, he starred in the ensemble comedy Money Hai Toh Honey Hai (2008), which was also a box office disaster.

Bajpayee's shoulder got injured while filming the Telugu film Vedam, and was absent from the screen for nearly two years.{{cite news|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/entertainment/bollywood/Back-logged/articleshow/15952746.cms|title=Back-logged|last=Shah|first=Kunal M|work=Mumbai Mirror|date=8 September 2009|access-date=12 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117030322/http://www.mumbaimirror.com/entertainment/bollywood/Back-logged/articleshow/15952746.cms|archive-date=17 November 2015}} He then returned in a major role with the comedy Jugaad (2009), which was based on the 2006 Delhi sealing drive incident.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/sealing-on-screen/article1407892.ece|title=Sealing on screen|work=The Hindu|date=11 February 2009|access-date=14 November 2015}} His next release was the mystery thriller Acid Factory (2009), which was a remake of the 2006 American film Unknown.{{cite web|url=http://movies.rediff.com/report/2009/oct/09/movie-review-acid-factory.htm|title=Acid Factory could be a health hazard|last=Pal|first=Chandrima|work=Rediff.com|date=9 October 2009|access-date=13 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117030524/http://movies.rediff.com/report/2009/oct/09/movie-review-acid-factory.htm|archive-date=17 November 2015}} He played a comic role of one among the people who are kidnapped and locked in a factory with no memory of how they came there. The film did not do well at the box office.{{cite news|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/i-waited-long-for-character-like-mine-in-jail-manoj-bajpai/531866/1|title=I waited long for character like mine in 'Jail': Manoj Bajpai|work=The Indian Express|date=22 October 2009|access-date=12 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203081458/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/i-waited-long-for-character-like-mine-in-jail-manoj-bajpai/531866/1|archive-date=3 February 2018}} The string of financial failures continued with his next release.{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/btown-ignores-madhur-bhandarkar/1/120318.html|title=B-town ignores Madhur Bhandarkar|work=India Today|date=18 November 2010|access-date=12 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117063441/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/btown-ignores-madhur-bhandarkar/1/120318.html|archive-date=17 November 2015}} In Madhur Bhandarkar's Jail (2009), he played a convict serving life imprisonment. He called his role a "narrator" and "mentor" of its protagonist (played by Neil Nitin Mukesh).{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/i-was-frustrated-before-jail-happened-manoj-bajpai/story-uAYFYBbVwO6chiFawsO1jK.html|title=I was frustrated before Jail happened: Manoj Bajpai|last=Bansal|first=Robin|work=Hindustan Times|date=31 October 2009|access-date=12 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117032954/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/i-was-frustrated-before-jail-happened-manoj-bajpai/story-uAYFYBbVwO6chiFawsO1jK.html|archive-date=17 November 2015}}

= 2010–present: ''Raajneeti'' and beyond =

In 2010, Bajpayee starred in Prakash Jha's big-budget ensemble political thriller Raajneeti. Nikhat Kazmi of The Times of India in her review mentioned that Bajpayee "[..] grab[s] eyeballs in [his] scenes" and "brings back memories of his mesmeric performances."{{cite news|last=Kazmi|first=Nikhat|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Raajneeti/movie-review/6007822.cms|title=Raajneeti movie review|work=The Times of India|date=3 June 2010|access-date=3 June 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820214326/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Raajneeti/movie-review/6007822.cms|archive-date=20 August 2012}} Indian trade journalists were apprehensive of Raajneeti recovering its {{INRConvert|600|m}} investment.{{cite web|last=Kotwani|first=Hiren|title=Can Raajneeti recover its Rs 60 crore investment?|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/can-raajneeti-recover-its-rs-60-crore-investment/story-QLbUAyjGC6vwWoVTzSIfLK.html|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=21 June 2010|date=4 June 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104634/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/can-raajneeti-recover-its-rs-60-crore-investment/story-QLbUAyjGC6vwWoVTzSIfLK.html|archive-date=4 March 2016}} The film, however, proved to be a major commercial success, with worldwide earnings of over {{INRConvert|1.43|b}}. Bajpayee received a Best Supporting Actor nomination at Filmfare for the film.{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/1765/|title=Nominations for 56th Filmfare Awards 2010|website=Bollywood Hungama|date=14 January 2011|access-date=12 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114012817/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/1765/|archive-date=14 November 2013|url-status=dead}} He then acted in two Telugu films; Vedam (2010) and Puli (2010), followed by the comedy Dus Tola (2010).{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/Dus-Tola/movie-review/6787838.cms|title=Dus Tola Movie Review|work=The Times of India|date=22 October 2010|access-date=12 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201011802/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/Dus-Tola/movie-review/6787838.cms|archive-date=1 February 2016}} He also provided the voice of Rama in the animated film Ramayana: The Epic, which was based on the Indian epic Ramayana.{{cite news|url=http://www.mid-day.com/photos/bollywood-stars-in-animation-films/4586/40095|title=Bollywood stars in animation films|work=Mid-Day|access-date=12 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208160917/http://www.mid-day.com/photos/bollywood-stars-in-animation-films/4586/40095|archive-date=8 December 2015}}

File:ManojBajpayee.jpg in 2011]]

Aarakshan (2011), a socio-drama based on the issue of caste based reservations in Indian, was Bajpayee's next film. The film sparked controversy in some groups and was banned in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh before its theatrical release.{{cite news|title=After UP, Aarakshan banned in Punjab, AP|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/After-UP-Aarakshan-banned-in-Punjab-AP/articleshow/9564962.cms?referral=PM|access-date=12 August 2011|work=The Times of India|date=11 August 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029180202/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/After-UP-Aarakshan-banned-in-Punjab-AP/articleshow/9564962.cms?referral=PM|archive-date=29 October 2017}} Trade journalists had high expectations for the film, but it ultimately flopped at the box office.{{cite web|title=Will Aarakshan draw in the crowds?|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/will-aarakshan-draw-in-the-crowds/20110801.htm|work=Rediff.com|access-date=4 April 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203184214/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/will-aarakshan-draw-in-the-crowds/20110801.htm|archive-date=3 February 2015}}{{cite web|title=It's raining flops at the box office|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/raining-flops-at-box-office/20110919.htm|work=Rediff.com|access-date=4 April 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429131112/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/raining-flops-at-box-office/20110919.htm|archive-date=29 April 2012}} Bajpayee's followup was the thriller Lanka (2011).{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/548041|title=Lanka|last=Adarsh|first=Taran|author-link=Taran Adarsh|website=Bollywood Hungama|date=9 December 2011|access-date=11 November 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023002829/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/548041|archive-date=23 October 2015}}

In 2012, Bajpayee appeared in Anurag Kashyap's two-part crime film Gangs of Wasseypur. His character Sardar Khan appeared in the first one. To prepare for his role, Bajpayee shaved his head and lost four kilogram of weight.{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120621/jsp/entertainment/story_15635989.jsp|title=Bajpai the baddie|last=Upadhyay|first=Karishma|work=The Telegraph|date=21 June 2012|access-date=8 December 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210193240/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120621/jsp/entertainment/story_15635989.jsp#.VmabqLKqqko|archive-date=10 December 2015}} It premiered at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival,{{cite web|title=Gangs of Wasseypur: World premiere at Cannes|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/gangs-of-wasseypur-world-premiere-at-cannes-468137.html|access-date=24 April 2012|publisher=CNN-IBN|date=24 April 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627194640/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/gangs-of-wasseypur-world-premiere-at-cannes-468137.html|archive-date=27 June 2015}} Toronto film festival,{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nri/entertainment/Wasseypur-Shanghai-Peddlers-at-Toronto-film-fest/articleshow/15310537.cms?|title='Wasseypur', 'Shanghai', 'Peddlers' at Toronto film fest|date=1 August 2012|access-date=31 May 2015|work=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028054641/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nri/entertainment/Wasseypur-Shanghai-Peddlers-at-Toronto-film-fest/articleshow/15310537.cms|archive-date=28 October 2017|url-status=live}} and the Sundance Film Festival in 2013.{{cite web|title=Gangs of wasseypur to be screened at the Sundance Film Festival|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/gangs-of-wasseypur-to-be-screened-at-sundance-2013-524361.html|publisher=CNN-IBN|date=30 November 2012|access-date=31 January 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150823153006/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/gangs-of-wasseypur-to-be-screened-at-sundance-2013-524361.html|archive-date=23 August 2015}} Gangs of Wasseypur released in India on 22 June to positive response. Anupama Chopra called it his best performance since Bhiku Mhatre in Satya.{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/anupama-chopra-s-review-gangs-of-wasseypur/story-iGAekBzJAuamgXRfcODzbJ.html|title=Anupama Chopra's review: Gangs of Wasseypur|last=Chopra|first=Anupama|work=Hindustan Times|date=23 June 2012|access-date=11 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117020533/http://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/anupama-chopra-s-review-gangs-of-wasseypur/story-iGAekBzJAuamgXRfcODzbJ.html|archive-date=17 November 2015}} For his performance in the film, Bajpayee was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.{{cite news|title=58th Idea Filmfare Awards nominations are here!|url=http://www.filmfare.com/news/58th-idea-filmfare-awards-nominations-are-here-2123.html|work=Filmfare|date=13 January 2013|access-date=31 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227075057/http://www.filmfare.com/news/58th-idea-filmfare-awards-nominations-are-here-2123.html|archive-date=27 December 2014}} His next film was the historical drama Chittagong (2012), based on the Chittagong armoury raid. Bajpai portrayed the Bengali independence fighter Surya Sen in it, for which he charged no money.{{cite web|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/manoj-bajpayee-took-no-money-for-chittagong-607889|title=Manoj Bajpayee took no money for Chittagong|publisher=NDTV|date=28 September 2012|access-date=11 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117032957/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/manoj-bajpayee-took-no-money-for-chittagong-607889|archive-date=17 November 2015|url-status=live}} His final release of the year was Chakravyuh, where he played a Naxalite; a role which required him to lose 5 kilograms weight.{{cite news|url=https://archive.mid-day.com/entertainment/2012/jun/070612-Manoj-Bajpai-goes-for-facial-fuzz.htm|title=Manoj Bajpai goes for facial fuzz|last=Shah|first=Jigar|work=Mid-Day|date=7 June 2012|access-date=31 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203104000/http://archive.mid-day.com/entertainment/2012/jun/070612-Manoj-Bajpai-goes-for-facial-fuzz.htm/|archive-date=3 February 2016|url-status=dead}} Writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar called Chakravyuh "the best film of last 20 years".{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-10-29/news/34798457_1_middle-class-salim-khan-ramesh-sippy|title=Films are not made for middle-class now: Javed Akhtar|work=The Economic Times|date=29 October 2012|access-date=28 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208162224/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-10-29/news/34798457_1_middle-class-salim-khan-ramesh-sippy|archive-date=8 December 2015|url-status=dead}} On the contrary, a review carried by India Today called it an "amateurish attempt", but praised Bajpayee's acting.{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bollywood-movie-review-chakravyuh/1/226492.html|title=Movie review: Chakravyuh|last=Khilnani|first=Rohit|work=India Today|date=27 October 2012|access-date=28 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208160014/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bollywood-movie-review-chakravyuh/1/226492.html|archive-date=8 December 2015}}

In 2013, Bajpayee had five releases: Samar, his Tamil debut film, was the first release. He appeared in a supporting role in the film.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Manoj-Bajpayee-in-Samaran/articleshow/11696919.cms|title=Manoj Bajpayee in Samaran|last=Suganth|first=S|work=The Times of India|date=31 January 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203113519/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Manoj-Bajpayee-in-Samaran/articleshow/11696919.cms|archive-date=3 February 2012}} He then appeared in Neeraj Pandey's heist thriller Special 26. Based on the 1987 Opera House heist, he portrayed a CBI officer in the film.{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-special-chabbis-is-exciting/20130208.htm|title=Review: Special Chabbis is an exciting con caper|last=Verma|first=Sukanya|work=Rediff.com|date=8 February 2013|access-date=11 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117063537/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-special-chabbis-is-exciting/20130208.htm|archive-date=17 November 2015}} It was followed by the crime film Shootout at Wadala, where he played a character inspired by the gangster Shabir Ibrahim Kaskar.{{cite web|url=http://zoomtv.indiatimes.com/interviews/politics-will-never-happen-for-me-manoj-bajpai/articleshow/21163635.cms|title=Politics will never happen for me: Manoj Bajpai|last=Kashyap|first=Nitisha|publisher=Zoom|date=19 July 2013|access-date=11 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117033048/http://zoomtv.indiatimes.com/interviews/politics-will-never-happen-for-me-manoj-bajpai/articleshow/21163635.cms|archive-date=17 November 2015}} Bajpayee collaborated with Prakash Jha for the fourth time with Satyagraha. The film was loosely inspired by social activist Anna Hazare's fight against corruption in 2011,{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-satyagraha-review-a-mission-left-unaccomplished-1882077|title='Satyagraha' review: A mission left unaccomplished|access-date=17 February 2014|last=Sengar|first=Resham|date=30 August 2013|work=Daily News and Analysis|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222083637/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-satyagraha-review-a-mission-left-unaccomplished-1882077|archive-date=22 February 2014}} featuring an ensemble cast, the film was highly anticipated by trade journalists due to its release coinciding with the Mumbai and Delhi gang rape public protests.{{cite news|url=http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film/prakash-jha-talks-about-new-film-satyagraha|title=Prakash Jha talks about new film Satyagraha|access-date=18 October 2013|last=Khan|first=Ujala A|date=28 August 2013|work=The National|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019120808/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film/prakash-jha-talks-about-new-film-satyagraha|archive-date=19 October 2013}} Satyagraha earned {{INRConvert|675|m}} domestically.{{cite web|url=http://www.koimoi.com/box-office-bollywood-films-of-2013/|title=Box-Office Verdicts of Major Bollywood Releases of 2013|access-date=18 October 2013|publisher=Koimoi|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803012622/http://www.koimoi.com/box-office-bollywood-films-of-2013/|archive-date=3 August 2014}} Bajpayee then provided the voice of Yudhishthira for Mahabharat, a 3D animation film based on the Indian epic of the same name.{{cite news|last=Pathak|first=Ankur|title=Deepti Naval is Kunti in Mahabharat|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/entertainment/bollywood/Deepti-Naval-is-Kunti-in-Mahabharat/articleshow/23661825.cms|access-date=12 February 2015|work=Mumbai Mirror|date=8 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011030553/http://www.mumbaimirror.com/entertainment/bollywood/Deepti-Naval-is-Kunti-in-Mahabharat/articleshow/23661825.cms|archive-date=11 October 2013}} In 2014, Bajpayee played the antagonist in the Tamil action film Anjaan.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Manoj-Vidyut-in-Suriyas-next-with-Lingusamy/articleshow/25322609.cms|title=Manoj, Vidyut in Suriya's next with Lingusamy|work=The Times of India|date=7 November 2013|access-date=9 December 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107015509/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Manoj-Vidyut-in-Suriyas-next-with-Lingusamy/articleshow/25322609.cms|archive-date=7 November 2013}}

Bajpayee continued to play negative roles with his next film Tevar (2015). A remake of the 2003 Telugu film Okkadu, the film opened to negative reviews and was a box office failure.{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/tevar-review-roundup-one-time-watch-619808|title='Tevar' Movie Review Roundup: One Time Watch|last=Mehta|first=Ankita|work=International Business Times|date=8 January 2015|access-date=11 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117033716/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/tevar-review-roundup-one-time-watch-619808|archive-date=17 November 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collections-alone-fails-tevar-falls-i-shows-decent-growth-620770|title=Box Office Collections: 'Alone' Fails, 'Tevar' Falls, 'I' Shows Decent Growth|last=Seshagiri|first=Sangeetha|work=International Business Times|date=8 January 2015|access-date=11 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117034154/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collections-alone-fails-tevar-falls-i-shows-decent-growth-620770|archive-date=17 November 2015}} The same year, he along with Raveena Tandon, appeared in the patriotic-themed short film Jai Hind. With a run-time of 6 minutes, the film was released on YouTube by OYO Rooms, right before the Indian Independence Day.{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/watch-short-film-jai-hind-starring-manoj-bajpayee-and-raveena-tandon-is-jingoistic-not-patriotic-2392430.html|title=Watch: Short film Jai Hind starring Manoj Bajpayee and Raveena Tandon is jingoistic not patriotic|last=D' Cunha|first=Zenia|publisher=Firstpost|date=14 August 2015|access-date=12 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117010830/http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/watch-short-film-jai-hind-starring-manoj-bajpayee-and-raveena-tandon-is-jingoistic-not-patriotic-2392430.html|archive-date=17 November 2015}} Bajpayee acted in another short film titled Taandav in 2016. Directed by Devashish Makhija, the film showcased the pressure and scenarios faced by an honest police constable, and was released on YouTube.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/entertainment/manoj-bajpayee-in-a-new-cop-drama/article8191707.ece|title=Manoj Bajpayee in a new cop drama|last=Modi|first=Chintan Girish|work=The Hindu|date=4 February 2016|access-date=7 February 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204032608/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/entertainment/manoj-bajpayee-in-a-new-cop-drama/article8191707.ece|archive-date=4 February 2016}} The same year, he portrayed professor

Ramchandra Siras, in Hansal Mehta's biographical drama Aligarh. The story followed the life of a homosexual professor who was expelled from Aligarh Muslim University because of his sexuality. Bajpayee watched a few clippings of Siras to prepare for his role.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Manoj-Bajpai-People-will-fall-in-love-with-professor-Dr-Shrinivas-Ramchandra-in-Aligarh/articleshow/50862862.cms|title=Manoj Bajpai: People will fall in love with professor Dr Shrinivas Ramchandra in 'Aligarh'|work=The Times of India|date=5 February 2016|access-date=7 March 2016}} The film was screened at the 20th Busan International Film Festival, and the 2015 Mumbai Film Festival.{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/aligarh-gets-standing-ovation-in-busan-director-hansal-mehta-elated/|title='Aligarh' gets standing ovation in Busan, director Hansal Mehta elated|work=The Indian Express|date=4 October 2015|access-date=29 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028181216/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/aligarh-gets-standing-ovation-in-busan-director-hansal-mehta-elated/|archive-date=28 October 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/hansal-mehtas-aligarh-premieres-at-mami-film-festival/|title=Hansal Mehta's 'Aligarh' premieres at MAMI Film Festival|work=The Indian Express|date=31 October 2015|access-date=29 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208120312/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/hansal-mehtas-aligarh-premieres-at-mami-film-festival/|archive-date=8 December 2015}} Aligarh was released on 26 February 2016 to positive reviews.{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/aligarh-review-round-here-what-critics-have-say-about-manoj-bajpai-rajkummar-rao-starrer-668222|title='Aligarh' review round-up: Here is what critics have to say about Manoj Bajpai and Rajkummar Rao-starrer|last=Mehta|first=Ankita|work=International Business Times|date=26 February 2016|access-date=7 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307174735/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/aligarh-review-round-here-what-critics-have-say-about-manoj-bajpai-rajkummar-rao-starrer-668222|archive-date=7 March 2016}} Bajpayee won the Best Actor award at the 10th Asia Pacific Screen Awards and his third Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/Going-global/article16832558.ece|title=Going global|last=Khan|first=Atif|work=The Hindu|date=15 December 2016|access-date=16 December 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216174401/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/Going-global/article16832558.ece|archive-date=16 December 2016}}{{cite news |url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/62nd-filmfare-awards-2017-winners-list/articleshow/56541241.cms |title = 62nd Filmfare Awards 2017: Winners' list |work = The Times of India |date = 15 January 2017 |access-date = 15 January 2017 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170114235906/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/62nd-filmfare-awards-2017-winners-list/articleshow/56541241.cms |archive-date = 14 January 2017 |df = dmy-all }} He next played a traffic constable in Rajesh Pillai's swan song Traffic (2016). A remake of the Malayalam film of the same name, the film was released on 6 May 2016.{{cite news|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/movies/traffic-movie-review-it-is-an-impressive-thriller_1882762.html|title=Traffic movie review: It is an impressive thriller|publisher=Zee News|date=6 May 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509041817/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/movies/traffic-movie-review-it-is-an-impressive-thriller_1882762.html|archive-date=9 May 2016}} His subsequent release of the year was the biographical sports film Budhia Singh – Born to Run, where he played the coach of Budhia Singh; the world's youngest marathon runner.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/budhia-singh-born-to-run-review-breaking-stereotypes/article8947556.ece|title=Budhia Singh Born to Run : not weighed down by 'nationalism'|last=Joshi|first=Namrata|work=The Hindu|date=5 August 2016|access-date=13 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807133800/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/budhia-singh-born-to-run-review-breaking-stereotypes/article8947556.ece|archive-date=7 August 2016}}

It was followed by the comedy film Saat Uchakkey (2016) and the short film Ouch directed by Neeraj Pandey.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/too-dirty-for-words/article9222065.ece|title=Saat Uchakkey: Too dirty for words

|last=Joshi|first=Namrata|work=The Hindu|date=15 October 2016|access-date=5 November 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/sVXNjPlg545kGM5Q16ZIyN/Review-Neeraj-Pandeys-short-film-Ouch.html|title=Review: Neeraj Pandey's short film 'Ouch'|last=Ghosh|first=Sankhayan|work=Mint|date=2 November 2016|access-date=5 November 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105173748/http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/sVXNjPlg545kGM5Q16ZIyN/Review-Neeraj-Pandeys-short-film-Ouch.html|archive-date=5 November 2016}}

File:Padma Shri Manoj Bajpai.jpg

Bajpayee's first release of 2017 was the spy thriller Naam Shabana, a spin-off to the 2015 film Baby with Taapsee Pannu reprising her role as Shabana.{{Cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-naam-shabana-is-spin-off-not-prequel-to-baby-taapsee-pannu-2353190|title='Naam Shabana' is spin-off, not prequel to 'Baby' Taapsee Pannu|date=15 March 2017|work=Daily News and Analysis|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330041452/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-naam-shabana-is-spin-off-not-prequel-to-baby-taapsee-pannu-2353190|archive-date=30 March 2017}} The same year, he reunited with Ram Gopal Varma for the crime drama Sarkar 3. It was the third instalment in the Sarkar film series. In the film, his character was loosely based on Arvind Kejriwal.{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/manoj-bajpayee-sarkar-3-ram-gopal-varma-arvind-kejriwal-amitabh-bachchan-3098196/|title=Manoj Bajpayee's character in Sarkar 3 inspired by Arvind Kejriwal, says RGV|work=The Indian Express|date=23 October 2016|access-date=10 December 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161205115111/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/manoj-bajpayee-sarkar-3-ram-gopal-varma-arvind-kejriwal-amitabh-bachchan-3098196/|archive-date=5 December 2016}} Later that year, Bajpayee appeared briefly in the drama film Rukh.{{cite news|url=http://www.news18.com/news/movies/rukh-movie-review-a-fine-film-that-says-more-with-its-silence-than-words-1559515.html|title=Rukh Movie Review: A Fine Film That Says More With Its Silence Than Words|last=Tulsiani|first=Kriti|publisher=CNN-News18|date=27 October 2017|access-date=30 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027175902/http://www.news18.com/news/movies/rukh-movie-review-a-fine-film-that-says-more-with-its-silence-than-words-1559515.html|archive-date=27 October 2017}}

In 2018, Bajpayee reunited with Neeraj Pandey with the crime thriller Aiyaary, where he played Colonel Abhay Singh who is in pursuit of his protege Major Jai Bakshi (Sidharth Malhotra). Film critic Namrata Joshi criticised the film's plot and called Bajpayee and one song, the "film's only saving graces".{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/aiyaary-review-much-ado-about-nothing/article22771612.ece|title=Aiyaary' review: A flashback too many|last=Joshi|first=Namrata|work=The Hindu|date=16 February 2018|access-date=23 February 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511203443/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/aiyaary-review-much-ado-about-nothing/article22771612.ece|archive-date=11 May 2018}} He later appeared in Ahmed Khan's Baaghi 2, alongside Tiger Shroff and Disha Patani.{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/baaghi-2-movie-review-tiger-shroff-s-film-is-all-about-sound-and-fury-118033100026_1.html|title='Baaghi 2' movie review: Tiger Shroff's film is all about sound and fury|work=Business Standard|date=31 March 2018|access-date=1 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401213556/http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/baaghi-2-movie-review-tiger-shroff-s-film-is-all-about-sound-and-fury-118033100026_1.html|archive-date=1 April 2018}} Later that year, Bajpayee acted and made his debut as a producer with the psychological thriller Missing, co-starring Tabu. The film mostly received negative review from critics.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/missing/movie-review/63633283.cms|title=Missing Movie Review|last=Gupta|first=Rachit|work=The Times of India|date=7 April 2018|access-date=9 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408175848/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/missing/movie-review/63633283.cms|archive-date=8 April 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/missing-review-tabu-proves-she-is-one-of-the-finest-talents-steals-the-show/articleshow/63641620.cms|title='Missing' review: Thriller works only for Tabu fans, actress steals the show|work=The Economic Times|date=9 April 2018|access-date=9 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409233623/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/missing-review-tabu-proves-she-is-one-of-the-finest-talents-steals-the-show/articleshow/63641620.cms|archive-date=9 April 2018}} Shubhra Gupta called it a "shoddy mess".{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/missing-movie-review-tabu-manoj-bajpayee-star-rating-5125807/|title=Missing movie review: The Manoj Bajpayee and Tabu starrer is a shoddy mess|last=Gupta|first=Shubhra|work=The Indian Express|date=6 April 2018|access-date=9 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409233546/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/missing-movie-review-tabu-manoj-bajpayee-star-rating-5125807/|archive-date=9 April 2018}} He next appeared alongside John Abraham in the vigilante action film Satyameva Jayate (2018).{{cite news|title=Satyameva Jayate movie review: The John Abraham starrer revives all the forgotten horrors of 80s B-grade cinema|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/satyameva-jayate-movie-review-rating-john-abraham-5307367/|last=Gupta|first=Shubhra|work=The Indian Express|date=15 August 2018|access-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815131510/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/satyameva-jayate-movie-review-rating-john-abraham-5307367/|archive-date=15 August 2018|url-status=live}} The same year he appeared in the psychological drama Gali Guleiyan, directed by debutant Dipesh Jain, where he played an electrician living in Old Delhi, who starts losing his grasp over reality.{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/method-in-his-madness-manoj-bajpayee-5322817/|title=Method in His Madness: Manoj Bajpayee on his forthcoming film Gali Guleiyan|last=Sahani|first=Alaka|work=The Indian Express|date=26 August 2018|access-date=7 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907234418/https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/method-in-his-madness-manoj-bajpayee-5322817/|archive-date=7 September 2018|url-status=live}} He won the Best Actor award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.{{cite news|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/manoj-bajpayee-on-his-role-in-gali-guleiyan-perhaps-the-most-difficult-character-of-my-career-4954561.html|title=Manoj Bajpayee on his role in Gali Guleiyan: Perhaps the most difficult character of my career|work=Firstpost|date=14 August 2018|access-date=7 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908021155/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/manoj-bajpayee-on-his-role-in-gali-guleiyan-perhaps-the-most-difficult-character-of-my-career-4954561.html|archive-date=8 September 2018|url-status=live}} The film premiered at the 22nd Busan International Film Festival and was also screened at the 2017 MAMI Film Festival, Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles, Atlanta Film Festival, Cleveland International Film Festival and the Chicago International Film Festival.{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/anurag-kashyap-s-zoo-manoj-bajpayee-s-in-the-shadows-to-premiere-at-busan-film-festival/story-ku4CWQVDxTb2HdirGlzveO.html|title=Anurag Kashyap's Zoo, Manoj Bajpayee's In The Shadows to premiere at Busan Film Festival|work=Hindustan Times|date=12 September 2017|access-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013013221/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/anurag-kashyap-s-zoo-manoj-bajpayee-s-in-the-shadows-to-premiere-at-busan-film-festival/story-ku4CWQVDxTb2HdirGlzveO.html|archive-date=13 October 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/manojs-gali-guleiyan-on-a-foreign-fest-journey/articleshow/63696573.cms|title=Manoj Bajpayee's 'Gali Guleiyan' on a foreign fest journey|work=The Times of India|date=10 August 2018|access-date=17 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907180155/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/manojs-gali-guleiyan-on-a-foreign-fest-journey/articleshow/63696573.cms|archive-date=7 September 2018|url-status=live}} His final release of the year was Tabrez Noorani's ensemble drama Love Sonia, a film about sex trafficking. It had its premiere at the 2018 London Indian Film Festival and was released in India on 14 September 2018.{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/love-sonia-premieres-in-london-highlights-ignored-realities-of-the-world/story-g8n6Qma3o39jaAleha2m8J.html|title=Love Sonia premieres in London, highlights ignored realities of the world|work=Hindustan Times|date=22 June 2018|access-date=15 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915002143/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/love-sonia-premieres-in-london-highlights-ignored-realities-of-the-world/story-g8n6Qma3o39jaAleha2m8J.html|archive-date=15 September 2018|url-status=live}}

In Devashish Makhija's Bhonsle, Bajpayee played a terminally ill retired Mumbai cop who befriends a North Indian girl when the locals are trying to get rid of the migrants in the city.{{cite web|url=https://screenanarchy.com/2019/01/j-hurtados-13-favorite-indian-films-of-2018-gallery.html|title=J Hurtado's 14 Favorite Indian Films of 2018|last=Hurtado|first=J|publisher=Screen Anarchy|date=3 January 2018|access-date=4 January 2019}} The film and his performance met with positive response from critics with Namrata Joshi calling his acting "astounding in his internalisation of Bhonsle and acts with not just his face but by deploying his whole body."{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/bhonsle-movie-review-agents-of-anger-and-gloom/article31937302.ece|title='Bhonsle' movie review: Agents of anger and gloom|last=Joshi|first=Namrata|work=The Hindu|date=28 June 2020|access-date=18 April 2021}} The role earned him his first National Film Award for Best Actor and second Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actor.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/national-film-awards-priyadarshan-kangana-dhanush-bag-top-honours/article34134989.ece|title=National Film Awards: Priyadarshan, Kangana, Dhanush bag top honours|work=The Hindu|date=22 March 2021|access-date=18 April 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/asia-pacific-screen-awards-manoj-bajpayee-wins-best-actor-for-bhonsle-1621498-2019-11-22|title=Asia Pacific Screen Awards: Manoj Bajpayee wins Best Actor for Bhonsle|last=Singh|first=Suhani|work=India Today|date=22 November 2019|access-date=22 July 2020}}

In 2019, he was given India's fourth highest civilian honour Padma Shri for his contributions to art.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/news/bollywood-news/article/mohanlal-to-be-awarded-padma-bhushan-padma-shri-for-manoj-bajpayee-prabhu-deva-and-late-kader-khan/354145|title=Mohanlal to be honoured with Padma Bhushan; Padma Shri for Manoj Bajpayee, Prabhu Deva and Late Kader Khan|website=Times Now|date=25 January 2019|access-date=26 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126000916/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/news/bollywood-news/article/mohanlal-to-be-awarded-padma-bhushan-padma-shri-for-manoj-bajpayee-prabhu-deva-and-late-kader-khan/354145|archive-date=26 January 2019|url-status=live}} The same year he portrayed dacoit Man Singh in Abhishek Chaubey's action film Sonchiriya. Raja Sen in his review wrote that Bajpayee is "excellent as a rebel chief."{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sonchiriya-movie-review-sushant-singh-rajput-and-ranvir-shorey-are-brilliant-as-bandits/story-b2aIAz7fhMfCauFPLmikXI.html|title=Sonchiriya movie review: Sushant Singh Rajput and Ranvir Shorey are brilliant as bandits|last=Sen|first=Raja|work=Hindustan Times|date=1 March 2019|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301082555/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sonchiriya-movie-review-sushant-singh-rajput-and-ranvir-shorey-are-brilliant-as-bandits/story-b2aIAz7fhMfCauFPLmikXI.html|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}} Later, he appeared in the spy action drama web series The Family Man, directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K. Bajpayee played the role of Srikant Tiwari, a middle-class man who secretly works for an intelligence agency. The series and his performance received positive response from critics with Rohit Naahar of Hindustan Times writing: "Manoj Bajpayee is, as he usually tends to be, effortlessly excellent."{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/the-family-man-review-lighthearted-but-not-lightweight-amazon-and-manoj-bajpayee-have-a-winner-on-their-hands/story-Md1nRWexIIh7ogxifIrUHM.html|title=The Family Man review: Lighthearted but not lightweight; Amazon and Manoj Bajpayee have a winner on their hands|last=Naahar|first=Rohit|work=Hindustan Times|date=27 September 2019|access-date=5 October 2019}} He won the Critics Choice Best Actor, Drama Series Award at the 2020 Filmfare OTT Awards.{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/flyx-filmfare-ott-awards-2020-winners-so-far/articleshow/79812177.cms|title=Flyx Filmfare OTT Awards 2020: Complete winners' list|website=The Times of India|date=19 December 2020|access-date=20 December 2020}}

In 2020, Bajpayee did a supporting role in Shirish Kunder's crime thriller film Mrs. Serial Killer, co-starring Jacqueline Fernandez. The film, which was released on Netflix, met with a negative response.{{cite web|url=https://www.scoopwhoop.com/entertainment/20-tweets-you-should-read-before-watching-netflix-s-mrs-serial-killer/|title=21 Tweets You Should Read Before Watching Netflix's 'Mrs. Serial Killer'|last=Magan|first=Srishti|publisher=ScoopWhoop|date=2 May 2020|access-date=22 July 2020}} His final release of the year was the comedy flick Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari alongside Diljit Dosanjh and Fatima Sana Shaikh. It was the first film to release theatrically in India after nearly eight months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web|title=Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari Review: With Manoj Bajpayee And Diljit Dosanjh's Buoyant Performances, It Is Mildly Chucklesome|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/suraj-pe-mangal-bhari-review-with-manoj-bajpayee-and-diljit-dosanjhs-buoyant-performances-it-is-mildly-chucklesome-2-5-stars-out-of-5-2325351|last=Chatterjee|first=Saibal|publisher=NDTV|date=15 November 2020|access-date=17 November 2020}} The next year, he narrated the Discovery+ documentary show Secrets of Sinauli, directed by Neeraj Pandey.{{cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/secrets-of-sinauli-manoj-bajpayee-neeraj-pandeys-discovery-plus-show-is-must-watch-for-indian-history-buffs/2196405/|title=Secrets of Sinauli: Manoj Bajpayee, Neeraj Pandey's Discovery Plus show is must watch for Indian history buffs|work=The Financial Express|date=17 February 2021|access-date=19 February 2021}} Bajpayee also appeared as a cop trying to solve a murder case in the thriller Silence... Can You Hear It?. The film was released on ZEE5 and met with mixed critical feedback.{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/reel/990594/silence-can-you-hear-it-review-manoj-bajpayee-is-the-soul-of-a-twisty-mystery|title='Silence… Can You Hear it?' review: Manoj Bajpayee is the soul of a twisty mystery|website=Scroll.in|date=26 March 2021|access-date=18 April 2021}}

Acting style and influence

File:Manoj_Bajpayee_at_special_screening_of_Aarakshan.jpg screening]]

Bajpayee is a method actor and a director's actor, and is known for his unconventional roles in films.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2wo9BAAAQBAJ&q=manoj+bajpai+method+actor&pg=PT202|title=Hero Vol.2|last=Raj|first=Ashok|publisher=Hay House|year=2009|isbn=9789381398036|pages=202|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211044019/https://books.google.com/books?id=2wo9BAAAQBAJ&pg=PT202&lpg=PT202&dq=manoj+bajpai+method+actor&source=bl&ots=nITps-ArL8&sig=BlrWSTqsHVyMRmYeKyJ6MDQ4npY&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiZw9qg_87JAhXKGI4KHRdoCUkQ6AEIRTAH#v=onepage&q=manoj%20bajpai%20method%20actor&f=false|archive-date=11 December 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/the-method-of-manoj-bajpayee-celebrating-bollywood-s-unlikely-hero/story-YLPxf19kjckkZsTV2XMOCI.html|title=The method of Manoj Bajpayee, celebrating Bollywood's unlikely hero|last=Kaushal|first=Sweta|work=Hindustan Times|date=23 April 2015|access-date=10 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211095217/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/the-method-of-manoj-bajpayee-celebrating-bollywood-s-unlikely-hero/story-YLPxf19kjckkZsTV2XMOCI.html|archive-date=11 December 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://180.179.160.21/photogallery/4595-10.html|title=Satya to Aarakshan: Why Manoj Bajpayee is a director's actor|publisher=CNN-IBN|access-date=10 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211085047/http://180.179.160.21/photogallery/4595-10.html|archive-date=11 December 2015}}{{cite news|last=Sarkar|first=Neeti|title=Life's about choice|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/article621147.ece|work=The Hindu|access-date=31 August 2011|date=8 September 2010}} Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has cited Bajpayee's performance in Aks as the inspiration for his role as the antagonist in Kick (2014).{{cite news|url=http://www.filmfare.com/interviews/i-wont-do-commercial-films-6838.html|title=I won't do commercial films|last=Singh|first=Raghuvendra|work=Filmfare|date=29 July 2014|access-date=10 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211064412/http://www.filmfare.com/interviews/i-wont-do-commercial-films-6838.html|archive-date=11 December 2015}} Bajpayee has also been vocal about the disparity in the pay he commands, in comparison to the top actors in the film industry.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2013/08/30/need-good-roles-but-need-money-too-manoj-bajpayee/|title=Need good roles but need money too: Manoj Bajpayee|last=Jamkhandikar|first=Shilpa|work=Reuters|date=30 August 2013|access-date=10 December 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211124223/http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2013/08/30/need-good-roles-but-need-money-too-manoj-bajpayee/|archive-date=11 December 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.filmfare.com/interviews/ive-done-enough-acting-now-i-want-money-manoj-bajpayee-4099.html|title=I've done enough acting, now I want money – Manoj Bajpayee|last=Sharma|first=Suman|work=Filmfare|date=5 September 2013|access-date=10 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211062931/http://www.filmfare.com/interviews/ive-done-enough-acting-now-i-want-money-manoj-bajpayee-4099.html|archive-date=11 December 2015}} He has cited Amitabh Bachchan, Naseeruddin Shah and Raghubir Yadav as his inspirations.{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2000/aug/22manoj.htm|title=The importance of being Manoj Bajpai|last=Verma|first=Sukanya|work=Rediff.com|date=22 August 2000|access-date=10 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304125814/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2000/aug/22manoj.htm|archive-date=4 March 2016}}

Director Ram Gopal Varma considers him to be "an education" for himself and said he is "simply the best actor I've ever worked with." Shekhar Kapur, who directed him in Bandit Queen, recalls: "Manoj had the ability to portray a lot just by doing little. He never tried to overplay a scene and seemed totally comfortable with a minimalist statement." According to director Hansal Mehta, Manoj "has the ability to transform himself like few others."{{cite news |last=Gupta |first=Nidhi |date=28 October 2015 |title=The problem with actors? They're too disciplined |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/actor-manoj-bajpayees-almora-property-under-scanner/articleshow/115193150.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211085213/http://www.gqindia.com/get-smart/personalities/hansal-mehta-aligarh-interview-manoj-bajpai-gq-india/ |archive-date=11 December 2015 |access-date=10 December 2015 |work=GQ}}

Bajpayee's performance as Bhiku Mhatre in Satya is considered to be one of the most memorable characters of Hindi cinema, along with his dialogue in it: "Mumbai ka king kaun? Bhiku Mhatre" (Who is the king of Mumbai? Bhiku Mhatre).{{cite news|url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/100-years-of-bollywood-10-characters-we-love/211818|title=100 years of Bollywood: 10 characters we love|work=Mid-Day|date=3 May 2013|access-date=10 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211073842/http://www.mid-day.com/articles/100-years-of-bollywood-10-characters-we-love/211818|archive-date=11 December 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/top-lists/Top-10-Dons-of-Bollywood/videols/19930293.cms|title=Top 10 Dons of Bollywood|work=The Times of India|date=14 May 2013|access-date=10 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304134222/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/top-lists/Top-10-Dons-of-Bollywood/videols/19930293.cms|archive-date=4 March 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/brunch/dialoguebaazi-the-tough-men/story-moGv3zA3ihceHFJW3bgbyN.html|title=#Dialoguebaazi: The tough men|last1=Ali|first1=Asad|last2=Usman|first2=Yasser|work=Hindustan Times|date=12 December 2014|access-date=10 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211075111/http://www.hindustantimes.com/brunch/dialoguebaazi-the-tough-men/story-moGv3zA3ihceHFJW3bgbyN.html|archive-date=11 December 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/aug/18sl8.htm|title=Where have the evil lines gone?|last=Sen|first=Raja|work=Rediff.com|access-date=10 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105121819/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/aug/18sl8.htm|archive-date=5 January 2016}} Kay Kay Menon credits this character as a turning point for other method actors: "If it were not for Manoj's brilliant performance in Satya, actors like Irrfan and me might still be waiting to be accepted. Manoj opened the doors for us." Writing about the character in his book Popcorn Essayists, journalist-writer Jai Arjun Singh wrote that "the "earthiness" and the "authenticity" [of the character], was the subtle result of a persistence in Bajpai's performance."{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6zwQG-xYuzcC&q=bhiku+mhatre&pg=PT70|title=Popcorn Essayists|last=Jai|first=Arjun Singh|publisher=Westland|year=2011|isbn=9789380658353|pages=70}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Filmography

Awards and nominations

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Manoj Bajpayee}}

References

{{Cite web|url=https://news24online.com/news/entertainment/filmfare-ott-awards-2021-manoj-bajpayee-samantha-clinch-top-honours-family-man-475ba28d/|title=Filmfare OTT Awards 2021: Manoj Bajpayee, Samantha clinch top honours for 'The Family Man'|date=11 December 2021|access-date=11 December 2021|archive-date=11 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211110756/https://news24online.com/news/entertainment/filmfare-ott-awards-2021-manoj-bajpayee-samantha-clinch-top-honours-family-man-475ba28d/|url-status=dead}}
{{Cite web|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2021/12/10/filmfare-ott-awards-2021-the-family-man-2-and-scam-1992-win-big.html|title = Filmfare OTT Awards 2021: The Family Man 2 and Scam 1992' win big}}

Sources

{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oW0-CQAAQBAJ&q=manoj+bajpai+preparing+for+shool&pg=PA204|title=Studying Indian Cinema|last=Ahmed|first=Omar|publisher=Columbia University Press|year=2015|isbn=978-0-9932384-9-9|pages=204}}
{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2wo9BAAAQBAJ&q=manoj+bajpai+method+actor&pg=PT202|title=Hero Vol.2|last=Raj|first=Ashok|publisher=Hay House|year=2009|isbn=9789381398036|pages=202}}
{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6zwQG-xYuzcC&q=bhiku+mhatre&pg=PT70|title=Popcorn Essayists|last=Jai|first=Arjun Singh|author-link=Jai Arjun Singh|publisher=Westland|year=2011|isbn=9789380658353|pages=70}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}