Actor Manoj Bajpayee, known for his incredible performances, is currently promoting his 100th film, Bhaiyya Ji, which hit theaters last week. Despite his success, Bajpayee comes from a humble background in Bihar. In a recent interview with Mashable, he opened up about his childhood and the challenges he faced growing up.
Growing Up in Bihar
Manoj Bajpayee shared that he didn’t own a pair of shoes until he went to college. Instead, he wore his father’s leather chappals (slippers). As the eldest among his brothers, he often found his father’s slippers fitting him well, although his father wasn’t too happy about it. “My father’s chappals would fit me, and he used to get very upset that I was wearing his chappals,” Bajpayee recalled.
Bajpayee explained that in small towns like his in Bihar, wearing shoes wasn’t common. “Until college, I never wore shoes. Of course, I knew how they looked, but I’d wear chappals, leather chappals, that was my habit from my days in Bihar,” he said. Despite not wearing shoes, Bajpayee always made sure to dress well. He loved wearing good, clean clothes, even if he only had a few pairs. “I would have three pairs of clothes, but they were always washed and clean. I loved wearing fashionable clothes, either bought cheaply or tailor-made,” he added.
It wasn’t until Bajpayee started doing theater that he began wearing shoes. He shared that he still isn’t very comfortable with shoes, preferring chappals. “I started wearing shoes when I started doing theater. Even now, I’m not completely used to it,” he admitted.
Early Struggles and Fashion Choices
During his theater days, Bajpayee earned between Rs 1000-1500. With this modest income, he bought export reject clothes from markets like Janpath and Sarojini Nagar in Delhi, where affordable clothing was available. “I’d buy clothes from Janpath where all export rejects were sold. I used to get cheap clothes from there,” he said. Bajpayee would often buy one pair of sneakers that matched all his outfits, making the most of his limited resources. “I would have one pair of shoes, sneaker type, which would go with all my clothes. It was the best,” he concluded.
Manoj Bajpayee’s Recent Work
Manoj Bajpayee continues to impress audiences with his acting. He is currently working on the much-anticipated third season of his web series The Family Man. Despite his humble beginnings, Bajpayee’s journey is a testament to his talent and perseverance, showing that dedication and hard work can lead to great success.
Manoj Bajpayee’s story is inspiring, reflecting his resilience and determination to succeed despite his modest upbringing. His experiences growing up in Bihar, wearing his father’s chappals, and later finding his way in theater and film, highlight his journey from simplicity to stardom. His love for fashion and his adaptability in wearing shoes only when necessary show a blend of practicality and passion. Bajpayee’s journey encourages us to appreciate our roots and strive for our dreams, no matter where we start.
