Actor Manoj Bajpayee in a recent conversation with a media portal where he admitted that having flashes of anxiety and depression.
Manoj Bajpayee, a powerhouse actor famed for his riveting acts, recently earned acclaim for his character Arun Batra in ‘Gulmohar’. His compelling performance in this emotional family film merited him notable mention at the prestigious 70th National Film Awards, ensuring his steady rise within the acting world. During a candid discussion on News18 Showsha, Bajpayee interestingly revealed that he taps into his own bouts of anxiety to add authenticity and depth to his role in ‘Gulmohar’.
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Talking to the media portal, Bajpayee said, “You know, how did I overcome it? Anxiety. I mean, I have flashes of anxiety, you know, in life. I don’t know. I’m blessed with a different mettle altogether,” The Gulmohar actor further revealed, “When I’m down and out, that is the time I’m aggressively trying to get back. I’m not somebody who will sit in the room and feel the anxiety and not do anything. But I don’t give any credit to myself. That’s just the way I am. I fight it out. And like a hungry tiger, when I feel down and even a little bit depressed, I start working very hard and push myself to be the best version of myself,” he explained, comparing his approach to a predator’s relentless drive to survive.”
Bajpayee doesn’t just shield himself, he seeks to take on those within his sphere. He has a predilection for startling those near him overwhelmed by stress, with the aim of inciting them to vent out their authentic sentiments rather than drowning further in disquiet. This offbeat tactic is something he’s deployed effectively during actor workshops.
He further added, “When my friends were going through tough times, I’d drag them out for a cinema, a drink, or if nothing worked, I’d shock them—make them cry, shout, abuse me, whatever it took to get them to express themselves. Because the more they go down, the worse it will be. It’s better that they come out, that they express themselves, which is very, very important.”
Arun’s journey in the film ‘Gulmohar’ echoes Bajpayee’s conviction about the power of openly confronting and triumphing over anxiety. Arun’s story is all about acknowledging his shortcomings, as well as those of his parents, ultimately landing him in a spot of serenity and acceptance. Bajpayee, using Arun’s persona, explores the turmoil triggered by struggles of identity, a sense of belonging, and family tensions, weaving a narrative that hits close to home and strikes a deep emotional chord.
