EXCLUSIVE - Manoj Bajpayee: I don't think I am different from any actor, whether they are from mainstream, arthouse or one without jobs

Manoj Bajpayee is touted as the powerhouse of talent. His work in the films have been commendable and movie lovers can't wait to see more of him on the big screen. Today, his latest release Sarkar 3 has hit the screens all over. In the Ram Gopal Varma directorial, Manoj will be seen playing the role of a young politician who is against Sarkar played by Amitabh Bachchan.

We caught up with the talented actor and he talked about Sarkar 3, Ram Gopal Varma, Amitabh Bachchan, his journey and many more.

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Tell us about your character in Sarkar 3.

This is about a young politician, who is quite a fiery, ambitious and very intelligent. He is somebody who is on the other side of Sarkar. He completely rejects the politics of Sarkar and his way of dealing with people. He is the antithesis of Sarkar.

You have worked with RGV in many of his movies. How is he different from other directors you have worked with?

He is completely different. He has his own take on everything. Most of the people know that he has a different take on every subject in this world, which is quite refreshing. Also, it is not necessary that we agree or disagree with him. But, he is interesting and exciting, and you try to fit into it. At the same time as an actor, it becomes a responsibility for me personally to compliment with him or his vision and my take on the character.

How was it sharing screen space with Mr Bachchan?

It's always fantastic. This is my fourth film with him. I love and admire him. I really love the way he conducts himself in public which is something that all the known people should learn from him. He never takes anybody or any situation for granted. There are too many qualities about him that you can really learn from him. Like his discipline, professionalism. Yes, that is something that I am but conducting yourself in public and never giving anybody a chance to complain about him is really admirable.

What thought process do you go through when you are approached for a film?

There are too many things. I don't answer these questions because you cannot sum it up in 10 lines. Each and every preparation for the character is worth a book. If you ask Mr Bachchan as to how he prepared himself for Sarkar 3, he will definitely write a book. Days of thinking, sitting with the director reading the script, it's a difficult process. That's why I say that acting is a very difficult job.

You are one of the few actors who has come from a theatre background. Has it created an impact while shooting for the film?

I have never found it different. Some people say that in the theatre you are little louder because you want the last row to hear you. But with me it's never been the case, it's a skill that you learn from. Sometimes you are in the frame and you try to pretend that you try talking to somebody who is little far, the skill should be such that the people should believe you are talking to that person. So, it's all about skills act and one keeps on learning. That is something each and every actor should be prepared for.

What makes you different from other mainstream actors?

I don't think I am any different from any actor, whether they are mainstream actors or arthouse actors or actors without jobs. So many actors are so disciplined and focussed. All of us are very passionate that's why we are in this industry. In this industry, nothing is guaranteed. We are here because we love this job. We sacrifice everything for it. I don't think I am any different.

You have completed almost two decades in this industry, so tell us how has your journey been.

I am into this industry from past 20-22 years. Before that, I have done theatre for many years. The journey has not been smooth. Rather I was engrossed totally into doing theatre, never thought of shifting to Bombay. I got Mr Shekhar Kapur's film during my last leg of theatres and he kind of convinced us to shift to Bombay. Here, I felt completely lost in the world. I didn't know what to do with myself. Yes, those were the days which were quite frustrating sitting without work. At the end of the day, if you get somebody like Ram Gopal Varma, who believes and has faith in you, who also motivates you and he makes you feel you are one of the best in the country. But, you need that kind of person to have something in you. And that is something happened to me with Ram Gopal Varma.