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Manoj Bajpayee, a powerhouse of talent, has won multiple National Film Awards for his exceptional performances. His journey from Bhiku Mhatre to Srikant Tiwari continues to inspire. Manoj Bajpayee’s exceptional acting prowess and commanding screen presence make him a true standout in Indian cinema.
With breakthrough performances across films and web series, he has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His remarkable talent has earned him numerous accolades, including National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and the prestigious Padma Shri in 2019. As the celebrated actor turns 56 on April 23, it’s the perfect time to revisit his illustrious journey—from iconic roles to critically acclaimed web shows—and take a look at what’s next in his stellar career.
Journey From Bhiku Mhatre To Shrikant Tiwari Born in Belwa in 1969, Manoj Bajpayee left his home at the age of 18 and relocated to New Delhi to learn acting. Despite being rejected not once, not twice, but thrice, the actor continued doing theatre. His hard work finally came to fruition when he made his Bollywood debut with a minor role in 1994.
His first on-screen appearance was in director Govind Nihalani’s film Dhorkaal, and later, he also grabbed attention for his role in director Shekhar Kapur’s acclaimed film Bandit Queen. The actor rose to popularity in the year 1998 with his role of Bhiku Mhatre in Ram Gopal Verma’s crime thriller film Satya. The film also earned him his career-first National Film Award.
Since then, there has been no turning back. Manoj kept on adding feathers to his cap, winning his second National Film Award for his 2004 film Pinjar. The actor also collaborated with the legendary director Yash Chopra in the romantic drama film Veer-Zaara.
Some of his most notable films include Raajneeti, Aligarh, Aarakshan, Swami, Special 26 and Shootout at Wadala, among others. For his role in Anurag Kashyap’s 2012 film Gangs of Wasseypur, Manoj Bajpayee earned positive response from fans and critics alike. In 2021, he won his third National Film Award for his performance in the film Bhonsale.
Proving his versatility, the actor seamlessly transitioned into the digital world, winning hearts with his performance in web series like The Family Man, Killer Soup and Ray. Next, he is set to reprise his role of Srikant Tiwari in the upcoming third season of the show. Manoj Bajpyee’s Top 10 Movies And Shows Satya: Manoj’s dialogue ‘Mumbai Ka King Kaun.
..Bhiku Mhatre’ from the epic gangster drama film is still etched in the audience’s hearts.
Released in the year 1998, the iconic film is directed by Gopal Varma. It earned the actor his first National Film Award. Shool: The film marks his another collaboration with Ram Gopal Verma.
Manoj portrayed the role of a Police officer, Samar Pratap Singh, whereas Raveena Tandon’s character added a sense of depth to the storyline. Pinjar: In this film set against the backdrop of partition, Manoj is seen as a Muslim guy who kidnaps a Hindu girl during the Indo-Pak partition. Helmed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi, the period drama also starred Urmila Matondkar and Kulbhushan Kharbanda in the lead roles.
Gangs Of Wasseypur: The next film which makes it to the list is the cult classic, epic gangster drama film. Helmed by Anurag Kashyap, the film featured Manoj as Sardaar Khan. Raajneeti: Proving his versatility, Manoj Bajpayee essayed a staunch politician, Veerendra Pratap, in the film.
The Prakash Jha directorial, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Katrina Kaif, Nana Patekar, and Arjun Rampal, was an immense success among fans. The Family Man Season 1 And 2: Helmed by the director duo Raj and DK, the show remains one of the most loved projects in the actor’s career. His portrayal of a middle-class man who works for a secret cell at the National Investigation Agency cemented his status as one of the most talented actors.
The series is streaming on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video. Killer Soup: The crime thriller series premiered on the OTT platform Netflix. Taking it a notch higher, he left the audience stunned with his dual role, both with their mysterious past.
Konkona Sen Sharma joined him to play the lead role, making it a must-watch. Ray: In the anthology drama show based on the stories of Satyajit Ray, the actor played the lead in the third episode of the series titled Hungama Hai Kyon Barpa. For the particular story, he played the role of a musician.
Bhaiyya Ji: Helmed by Apoorv Singh Karki, the film was released in 2024 and won a good response from cinema enthusiasts. In the film, a retired crime boss returns to the world of crime and violence to avenge those responsible for the death of his younger brother. Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai: The critically acclaimed courtroom drama stars Manoj Bajpayee as lawyer who fights against a powerful godman, seeking justice for a rape victim.
The film is available for streaming on Zee5. Manoj Bajpayee’s Upcoming Projects One of the most awaited projects of Manoj Bajpayee is the third season of The Family Man. In the show, he will be returning as Srikant Tiwari, a secret cell agent.
Helmed by Raj and DK, the show will reportedly release by the end of the year..
