Bajrangi Bhaijaan gave me recognition: Manoj Bakshi

Bollywood actor Manoj Bakshi says that Salman Khan starrer Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) brought him recognition across the country. 

“It was a stroke of luck as an actor that I was part of a big film that did not see any cuts of my character on the screen. People started recognising me across the country after this role,” said Bakshi, who portrayed the character of Pakistani police inspector Iqbal Qureshi.

Recalling how he got the role, Bakshi said, “Film director Kabir Khan and his team were in Delhi when the film Ek Tha Tiger was being planned to be shot in the national capital. I auditioned and selected. Because of other work commitments, I could not take up this role offered to me. 

“Later, when Bajrangi Bhaijaan was scheduled to be shot in Delhi, Kabir Khan and his team offered me this role,” Bakshi told Patriot in a telephonic interview. 

He described Salman Khan as a kind-hearted person. 

“It was a wonderful experience working with the superstar on set. He would invite me for lunch and dinner. He truly has a heart of gold,” he reminisced. 

The 60-year-old actor credited Do Dooni Chaar, which starred Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, for giving him initial recognition in the industry. 

“I was in Delhi when I auditioned for the film. The director liked my audition and gave me a chance,” recalled Bakshi, who played the role of Dada Popley.

Bakshi noted that the cost effective crowd and locations in Delhi are attracting Mumbai filmmakers to the national capital. 

“Mumbai is more expensive in these terms, so filmmakers would also visit Delhi. That is how I started getting roles too,” added the Delhi-born actor. 

The Gadar 2 actor said that he fell in love with acting in 12th grade. 

“In 1984, I had gone to Mumbai to attend my cousin’s marriage. Film stars like Padma Khanna and Sujit Kumar were present there. My cousins, who were into Bhojpuri filmmaking, introduced me to the actors and said they make films with them. I found the field interesting and told my father about the same. But he cautioned me citing lack of future in the industry without a Godfather,” Bakshi shared. 

Alongside his studies, Bakshi ventured into theatre. 

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“I spent nearly 22 years doing theatre in Uttar Pradesh, performing in various plays. Producers and directors of serials attended our plays, eventually offering me roles in Bollywood,” said Bakshi, who appeared in plays like Mahabhoj, Chandramukhi, Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya O Jamyai Nai, Curfew, and Muawze.

“Doing theatre is important. Those without connections in the industry usually come from a theatre background. Theatre actors are respected in the industry for their versatile skills and offered different roles,” he emphasised. 

The actor expressed his preference for detective roles if given the opportunity. 

“I am comfortable with all kinds of roles in films. However, I particularly enjoy playing detectives, which I have done in the past,” said Bakshi, whose film work includes Delhi Belly, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Jolly LLB, Junooniyat, Madaari, and Mission Majnu, among others. 

Bakshi criticised casting directors for nepotism in the industry. 

“These days, roles often go to acquaintances or friends of casting directors, sidelining talented actors,” he remarked. 

He also expressed his belief that OTT platforms cannot replace cinema halls and predicted their continued success. 

“On OTT, you get several things on a small screen but in cinema, you have a big screen. It is impossible to replace the cinemas,” he concludes.