Acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee has voiced sharp criticism against Bollywood’s practice of stereotyping talent, revealing that he feels only 25 percent of his acting potential has been explored by filmmakers so far.
Speaking in an interview ahead of the release of his Netflix film Awesome Night (formerly titled Ghooskhor Pandas), the veteran actor reflected on how the film industry has repeatedly failed gifted performers.
Bajpayee stated that Bollywood carries a “bad karma” of reducing exceptional actors to insignificant roles, causing many to wither away without the recognition or opportunities they deserved. Addressing his own career, the Gangs of Wasseypur star shared that despite years of lauded performances, his hunger to explore new creative depths remains unfulfilled.
However, Bajpayee credited the rise of Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming platforms with bringing a welcome shift. He noted that digital platforms have encouraged audiences to pay closer attention to nuanced storytelling and character detail.
According to him, streaming services have given viewers a stronger voice, forcing the industry to move beyond conventional formulas and offer actors far more meaningful opportunities.