Manoj Bajpayee, known for his iconic film roles, shared an interesting anecdote about his career. The actor had been approached by Sanjay Leela Bhansali for a pivotal role in the epic romance ‘Devdas.’ However, Bajpayee declined the offer due to his preference for lead roles.
During an interview, Bajpayee explained that he had always aspired to play the character of Devdas himself but was not interested in supporting roles. He felt that playing a secondary role would diminish his status as a leading man. Despite his admiration for ‘Devdas,’ Bajpayee prioritized his career trajectory and focused on projects where he could showcase his lead acting abilities.
The role of Chunnillal, initially considered for Bajpayee, was ultimately played by Jackie Shroff. Nonetheless, Bajpayee’s dedication to playing lead roles has remained unwavering throughout his career. His notable performances include films such as ‘Satya,’ ‘Shool,’ ‘Gangs of Wasseypur,’ and the recent web series ‘The Family Man.’
Although Bajpayee eventually made a special appearance in Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Veer Zaara,’ his decision to decline ‘Devdas’ highlights his unwavering commitment to his artistic choices and his pursuit of leading roles that would shape his cinematic legacy.
