Manoj Bajpayee Reveals Shocking Secrets: Declined Iconic Roles and Shares Crossover Details for Family Man Season 3

In a recent candid conversation with Sushant Sinha, acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee made some startling revelations about his career choices and upcoming projects. Best known for his roles in “Gangs of Wasseypur” and the hit series “The Family Man,” Bajpayee discussed a major opportunity he turned down that could have drastically altered his career trajectory.

Manoj Bajpayee Turned Down a Role in ‘Devdas’

During the interview, Bajpayee disclosed that he had once declined the role of Chunnilal in the blockbuster film “Devdas.” “Yes, I was offered Jackie Shroff’s role in Devdas,” he said, “but I immediately said no. I told Sanjay, ‘Sanjay, yaar, meri toh hamesha se ichchha thi Devdas karne ki’ (I always wanted to play Devdas).”

Bajpayee confessed that letting go of the role in “Devdas,” which went on to become a superhit, is something he somewhat regrets. “That film became a superhit, but I have regrets about letting it go. I’d wanted to play Devdas since my theatre days, ever since I’d watched Dilip Kumar’s film, or read the book. But I never felt bad,” he added, reflecting on his decision.

Early Days with Shah Rukh Khan

Further delving into his early days in the industry, Bajpayee reminisced about his friendship with superstar Shah Rukh Khan. In a previous interview with Bollywood Bubble, Bajpayee shared a nostalgic memory of how SRK introduced him to the nightlife. “He (SRK) was the only one who used to come in a Maruti Van. In those days a Maruti Van, red color, I still remember. He is the one who has taken me to a discotheque for the first time in Taj in Delhi.

I mean we were very young, we had kind of just gotten out of our adolescent age and we met. He was part of Barry John’s group for some time,” Bajpayee said, highlighting their youthful escapades and deep-rooted bond.

Upcoming Projects and Family Man Season 3

On the professional front, Bajpayee is eagerly anticipating the release of his film “Bhaiyya Ji” and is deeply engrossed in the filming of “The Family Man” Season 3. In an interview with Pinkvilla, the actor opened up about the new season and the exciting prospects it holds, including a potential crossover with “Farzi” Season 2, starring Shahid Kapoor.

“Mujhe bahut mazaa aa raha hai. Abhi shooting chal rahi hai. Ek schedule khatam kiya hai humne. Raat ko dedh baje jaa ke soya hu main aur phir aapke iske liye aana tha. Main Family Man ki hi shooting kar raha tha” (I am enjoying a lot. The shooting is going on. We have wrapped up a schedule. I slept at 1:30 AM and then I had to come for the masterclass), Bajpayee revealed.

The National Award-winning actor promised that the third season would be even “bigger and better” than the previous ones. “Phir wapas main shoot shuru karunga is month ke end me, Bhaiyya Ji ke release ke baad. To ye chalta rahega, November end tak humara schedule hai.

Baaki tracks hai unki bhi shooting chal rahi hai. (I will resume shooting after the release of Bhaiyya Ji. Our schedule is till November). So this is going to be far bigger and better than the previous 2,” he said, raising expectations for the highly anticipated series.

Manoj Bajpayee’s Multifaceted Career

Manoj Bajpayee’s career is marked by a series of critically acclaimed performances and strategic choices that have set him apart in the Indian film industry. Despite missing out on roles that later became iconic, his body of work continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike.

From his early roles in films like “Satya” and “Shool” to more recent hits like “Aligarh” and “Bhonsle,” Bajpayee has consistently demonstrated his versatility and depth as an actor.

His portrayal of Sardar Khan in Anurag Kashyap’s “Gangs of Wasseypur” remains one of his most memorable performances, earning him widespread acclaim and a cult following. Similarly, his role as the unassuming yet sharp intelligence officer Srikant Tiwari in “The Family Man” has cemented his status as a powerhouse performer in the digital space.

The Evolution of Indian Web Series

“The Family Man,” produced by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K., represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Indian web series. The show’s gripping narrative, coupled with Bajpayee’s stellar performance, has garnered a massive fan base and critical praise. The anticipation for the third season is palpable, especially with the promise of it being “bigger and better” and the hint of a crossover with “Farzi.”

The potential crossover could open new avenues for storytelling within the Indian digital entertainment space, allowing for more interconnected narratives and character arcs. This innovative approach could redefine the way audiences engage with web series, offering a more immersive and expansive viewing experience.

Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations

Despite the highs and lows of his career, Bajpayee remains grounded and reflective about his journey. His anecdote about declining the role in “Devdas” underscores the complexity of an actor’s decision-making process and the unpredictable nature of the film industry. It also highlights his enduring passion for his craft, a passion that continues to drive him forward.

Looking ahead, Bajpayee is set to explore new horizons with his upcoming projects. “Bhaiyya Ji” promises to showcase another facet of his acting prowess, while “The Family Man” Season 3 is expected to push the envelope in terms of storytelling and production quality.

Conclusion

Manoj Bajpayee’s career is a testament to his unwavering dedication and talent. His recent revelations about missed opportunities and upcoming projects provide a fascinating glimpse into the life and mind of one of India’s finest actors. As audiences eagerly await the release of “Bhaiyya Ji” and the new season of “The Family Man,” it is clear that Bajpayee’s journey is far from over. With each new role, he continues to captivate and inspire, proving that true artistry knows no bounds.