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Manoj Bajpayee calls himself a ‘nervous actor’
The actor discusses self-doubt, OTT success, family life, and what changes for Srikant Tiwari.
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Bollywood Insider - Sun, 01, Feb 2026
- 04:21 EST
- 19
Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee / Courtesy: Instagram@bajpayee.manoj
Actor Manoj Bajpayee says nervousness, not confidence, has been the constant force guiding his career, even as he becomes one of the most recognizable faces on streaming platforms.
In a candid interview, Bajpayee rejected labels such as “King of OTT,” saying he has never aspired to stardom. “I feel very uncomfortable with such idioms,” he said. “I never wanted—nor will I ever want to be the ‘King of OTT’ or a superstar. I’m just glad people want to work with me.”
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Bajpayee, whose work includes ‘Bhonsle,’ ‘Silence… Can You Hear It?’ and ‘The Family Man,’ said he chooses projects carefully to avoid disappointing audiences. He described himself as a “nervous actor,” adding that the unease keeps him alert and responsible on set.
Speaking about the return of ‘The Family Man’ after a four-year gap, Bajpayee said he remains deeply involved in shaping his character, Srikant Tiwari. “Before every season, I speak to my directors a lot—about the script, the character, everything,” he said. “I always want the complete script in my hand.”
He said the upcoming season shows a shift in the character’s arc. “Srikant Tiwari will not be seen winning this time,” Bajpayee said. “He has to save himself. He goes from being the Family Man to becoming the ‘most wanted man.’”
The actor said working with directors Raj and DK suits his temperament. “Their philosophy resonates with me. We work without conflicts because we’re always on the same page,” he said.
On set, Bajpayee said he remains motivated by watching co-actors push themselves. He praised co-star Priyamani for her discipline and said he hopes to work more closely with Nimrat Kaur in the future.
At home, Bajpayee said authority belongs to his daughter, Ava Nyla. “She decides my clothes,” he said, adding that parenting today comes with challenges tied to children’s exposure to screens and social media.
Addressing online trolling, especially of celebrity children, Bajpayee said social media has only amplified existing cruelty. “Some people are sick,” he said.
Despite juggling films and web series, Bajpayee said he consciously avoids repetition. “I’ve promised myself that I won’t repeat myself,” he said. “As long as this body works, I won’t let that happen.”
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