By News18,Yatamanyu Narain

Copyright news18

Manoj Bajpayee, one of India’s most celebrated actors, has built an extraordinary career that spans more than three decades. From his humble beginnings in a small village in Bihar to his meteoric rise with films like Satya and Gangs of Wasseypur, Bajpayee has defied the odds in an industry that often values glamour over grit. In a candid conversation with Bollywood Bubble, the actor revealed that even his wife, actress Shabana Raza, believes his long journey in showbiz is nothing short of a “miracle.”
“It’s A Miracle You’re Still Surviving”
When asked about the secret to his longevity, Bajpayee admitted that he himself doesn’t fully know how he managed to endure. Sharing his wife’s perspective, he recalled:
“My wife once said, ‘It’s a miracle that you are still surviving in this industry. You keep offending people and doing films that are not celebrated that much usually, and now people are giving you roles right, left and centre. It’s a miracle for me, I thought you’d be gone and we’d have to shift somewhere else.’”
The actor laughed at her blunt honesty but acknowledged that his unconventional career choices — often prioritizing substance over mainstream acceptance — have somehow stood the test of time.
From Struggles To Stardom
Bajpayee’s road to success was anything but easy. He faced multiple rejections from the National School of Drama before finally landing his big break in Ram Gopal Varma’s Satya (1998). His portrayal of the unforgettable gangster Bhiku Mhatre not only won him his first National Award but also redefined the gangster genre in Indian cinema.
Since then, Bajpayee has delivered powerhouse performances in Shool, Aligarh, and Gangs of Wasseypur. More recently, his reinvention through the digital space with The Family Man turned him into an OTT superstar, beloved by a new generation of audiences.
A Private Love Story
Beyond his professional achievements, Bajpayee enjoys a grounded family life with his wife, Shabana Raza, who was known by her screen name Neha during her acting career. Raza made her Bollywood debut opposite Bobby Deol in Kareeb (1998) and appeared in films like Fiza, Hogi Pyaar Ki Jeet, and Ehsaas.
The couple first crossed paths at a party in 1998 after Satya’s release. They dated for a few years before tying the knot in 2006 in a private ceremony. The two now share a daughter, Ava Nayla, and have largely kept their relationship away from the spotlight, choosing a life of balance and simplicity.
What’s Next For Manoj Bajpayee
The actor’s calendar remains packed. He is gearing up for the release of Jugnuma – The Fable, directed by Raam Reddy. The film features an ensemble cast including Deepak Dobriyal, Priyanka Bose, Hiral Sidhu, Awan Pookot, and Tillotama Shome. Produced by Prspctvs Productions, co-produced by Maxmedia and Sikhya Entertainment, and distributed by Flip Films, the movie is being presented by Academy Award winner Guneet Monga and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. Jugnuma is slated to hit theatres on September 12.