Manoj Bajpayee and his wife Shabana Raza both had an unforgettable July 1998. It was when Manoj rose to fame after playing the dangerous gangster Bhiku Mhatre in Ram Gopal Varma‘s hit crime film’Satya‘. At the same time, Shabana entered the world of acting in the romantic film ‘Kareeb’, starring Bobby Deol, produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The film may have failed to attract audiences at the theatres, but Shabana managed to win the hearts of many with her natural and convincing performance as Neha.
Manoj Bajpayee as he fell in love with Shabana
Speaking to SCREEN, Bajpayee explained how his love story with Shabana started when they crossed paths at a party, saying it was nothing short of love at first sight. He said: “Kareeb also celebrated, and became the earner of the year. We fell in love. It was from the first day we started dating.”
Why Shabana doesn’t visit Manoj Bajpayee on the set
Beyond their relationship, Bajpayee also feels that having Shabana as his partner has been a blessing in his professional life. His deep understanding of the film industry and his thoughtful personality have helped him stay healthy. One of the clearest examples of this is his strong decision not to join his ranks. “My wife listens a lot to these things and cares about these things. Because somewhere in the beginning, she accepted that Manoj is different and she is not ready to accept Manoj, while she does not feel accepted or not accepted. That was the moment when he decided not to come back,” recalls the actor.
Manoj Bajpayee calls it a different kind of understanding
Bajpayee admits that sometimes he wishes that Shabana would come with him, but he always holds back, knowing that it is helpful. And as an actor himself, he understands why. “It’s good because as an actor, he understood that it would be stupid if he wanted my attention at this time. What he’s doing and going through is very different, where he doesn’t come at all. It’s a different understanding,” says Bajpayee.
Manoj Bajpayee’s journey from ‘Satya’ to ‘Family Family ‘
After dating for seven years, Shabana tied the knot with Bajpayee in 2006, and the couple welcomed their daughter Ava Nayla into the world in 2011. Shabana retired from acting in 2009, but has been by Bajpayee’s side through every phase of his incredible journey, from his breakout role in Satya to his breakthrough performance in The Family Man nearly three decades ago. Reflecting on his career, Bajpayee believes that although people view his journey differently, not much has changed in his perspective. “In the eyes of people, my work has changed. So, things were not like that,” says Bajpayee.
Manoj Bajpayee on his slow and steady economic growth
When it comes to his financial growth, Bajpayee reveals that it was a slow and steady rise rather than an overnight change due to the success of each film. “In the beginning, when you do films as an artist, you are not well paid. It takes many years before you start asking for your price. Therefore, the situation remains the same. It’s just that there was a little comfort in terms of money,” added the artist.He goes on to describe how tough things were in his early days, when even the smallest amount of money required serious consideration. “Now, that became easier. But it wasn’t as easy as going to a showroom and buying a car (laughs). It took me seven to eight years before I started asking my price,” reveals Bajpayee.
Manoj Bajpayee says that it is not just one film that changes everything
Looking back at this time, one can say about his supporting role in Yash Chopra’s romantic drama “Veer-Zaara” in 2004, six years after ‘Satya’, as a turning point, especially since Bajpayee said that he was paid and the director of the film. However, he is quick to refute the idea that any film can completely change an actor’s life. For Bajpayee, it has always been creating a body of work that speaks for itself over time. “This is my experience in the industry. You continue to collect good work and continue to build your credibility, and then people start to respect you. To enter any office, you have to prove it for a long time. This is still important,” adds the artist.