On a breezy, rainy afternoon, I step into the corridor of a five-star hotel, eager to meet Manoj Bajpayee, an actor renowned for his talent. I look forward to a relaxed, flowing conversation. As the lift doors open, I spot him from a distance, exuding a calm aura that instantly puts everyone in the room at ease. Dressed in crisp white pants and an off-white jacket, he takes a sip of his chai and gives me a warm smile. I’m instantly at ease. Then he insists that we break for lunch. Work can wait. Lunch done, we get into the interview mode. Our conversation touches many topics. We talk about how his definition of success has evolved over the years, the importance of family life—and his dreams. He reflects on what he would tell his younger self about navigating a career in showbiz, sharing insights that are both inspiring and grounded. Excerpts from a freewheeling conversation.

You’ve completed a hundred films, how do you weigh success today?

My criteria remains the same. I measure success by my own standards, not by public praise. I critically evaluate my performances and films, identifying where they fall short, regardless of their acclaim or success. This rigorous self-assessment has been a part of my process since my theatre days. I strive to grow, improve and evolve.  I believe this drive is evident in my work.

How do you weigh a successful project on OTT?

Success should be defined by quality, not merely by box office numbers. It’s not our job to focus on financial figures; the true measure lies in the quality of the work. Many films may perform well financially but are far from exceptional. I often find myself disappointed when a film, despite its commercial success, fails to meet creative standards. The numbers might reflect financial gain for producers and distributors, but they don’t necessarily represent the value of the actor’s creative contribution. We should focus on the quality of work and not just let ourselves be blinded by
the numbers.