I made my career out of flops: Manoj Bajpayee

Critically acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee won his first National award for the film Satya, and since then, has worked in a number of films where some worked well, but some went unnoticed. However, Manoj says he's made his career out of such flops.

Present at the first edition of the Literature, Information, Film, Frame, TV and Theatre (LIFFT) India Filmotsav 2017 World Cine Fest, on Monday for an impromptu discussion on his journey in the film industry, Manoj shed light on his take on the concept of highs and lows he has experienced in the film industry since the time he shifted to Mumbai after Bandit Queen in 1994.

"Lows bother me when I see my bank balance reducing. Other than that, it really doesn't bother me. If you are seeking someone else's approval that is your low, if you are not, then that is your high," the actor says. "When I was a child, I kept this dream of becoming an actor close to my heart. The dream was mine and I chased it. I am still chasing it, and I will keep on chasing it," he adds.

After his legendary performance as Bhiku Mahatre in Satya, Manoj worked in films which went unnoticed like Kaun, Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar and Hanan among others. 

"I knew that I would not be able to sustain that euphoria from Satya. The choices after that were very risky. Sometimes I wanted to be in the flow, sometimes I wanted to be completely experimental," says Manoj, who will next be seen in Love Sonia and Aiyaari.

"No mainstream actor wanted to touch the role of Prince Victor in Zubeidaa. It was a complete risky proposal for me. I went with the thought that the Bhiku Mahatre kind of euphoria may or may not happen." He says the roles that he played were his own choice, and were the result of well-thought-out decisions. "Some worked and some did not. I always say that I made my career out of flop films," he adds.

LIFFT India Filmotsav 2017 is a five day festival which started on September 1. Besides films, the fest includes conversations with filmmakers, actors, discussions, Asolo plays, booking readings and more.