I am a struggling star

Manoj Bajpayee, who plays Joy Bag, a modern-day crime journalist in his latest film Despatch, gives a quick tour of his life.

About your character, Joy Bag.

“The story is about a 50-year-old print journalist, who is combatting insecurities in his personal and professional life. After a glorious career, he is standing at the crossroads, and needs to make choices. He does not know how to evaluate and continue with either his personal or professional life.”

Do you consider yourself lucky to get such varied roles?

“I do get a lot of roles, but not all of them are what I want to do. I wanted to put myself in a different kind of process from what I have experienced until now. I was born during the time of Amitabh Bachchan Saab. But the new generation is born in the digital age, which gives them huge global exposure. I wanted to be connected to this generation, and joined hands with Kanu Bhel. Though the shooting process was tedious, I was incredibly happy, as I was coming out of my comfort zone. I got a chance to go through this difficult experience and in the process, improved as an actor.”

With the digital revolution and the advent of AI, children may become lazy?

“There are advantages and disadvantages in every situation. We cannot hold back change, and it would be foolish to try to do so. I don’t think young people will become lazy, but I feel human interaction is lacking. On the other hand, they are generating employment for themselves, becoming their own bosses. You must up your game to keep up with the rapid changes that are taking place.”

What do you do to up your craft?

“I keep learning. You must go with the times. It is never about achievements, but it is about the process . In this journey, you keep meeting brilliant minds and in the process, you can borrow a leaf or two from them.”

You are an actor and a star. How has the experience been?

“I don’t consider myself a star. I remember Bhatt Saab would always say, until an actor is paid enough, he is not a star. But I am a struggling star. I am happy that I am working in a medium like OTT, which gives actors ample chances to display their talents. Today’s actors and technicians are lucky as they get to collaborate with fine directors. We must make the best use of our time.”

What projects do you have as producer and as an actor?

“I am not producing any films right now. One of my untitled films with an American producer/director has been completed. I’m not concerned whether my projects are theatrical or OTT releases, I just want my films to reach my fans. The next Family Man is coming up. I also have two Netflix films. After these projects, I plan to take some time off to enjoy the serene beauty of my native village.

You seem to be the perfect ‘Family Man’ in real life as well!

I am not a perfect family man — I am an unavailable father and husband!