Manoj Bajpayee, the seasoned Bollywood actor, recently discussed the prevalent discrimination against people from specific Indian states at the trailer unveiling of his movie ‘Bhaiyya Ji’. He expressed concern about the persistent stereotypes faced by individuals from his home state of Bihar, as well as those from Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, who are often belittled in other regions of India.
The accomplished actor, known for his nuanced performances, addressed how some still harbor a clichéd perception that people from Bihar are intellectually inferior. Taking a stand against such bigotry, Bajpayee stated unequivocally that regional prejudices serve only to reveal the small-mindedness of the perpetrators and indicate a fundamental flaw within them.
When questioned about whether the film’s slogan, ‘Bhaiyya nahi, Bhaiyya ji kaho’, carried a deeper message, Bajpayee playfully teased the media representative, suggesting that sparking a little controversy is always necessary. He went on to explain that derogatory comments about one’s background or ethnicity are more reflective of the prejudices held by the speaker than of any truths about the recipient of such remarks.
With a clear and composed stance, Bajpayee continued to say that a rational individual would never indulge in making negative comments about another person’s caste, religion, or regional origin. The core message of the film, as articulated by him, is the humanity and deserving respect for residents of UP, Bihar, and other often-stigmatized regions. Bajpayee stressed the importance of extending respect and honor instead of ridicule, specifically criticizing the practice of mockingly referring to individuals from these areas as ‘Bhaiyya’, a term meant to connote brotherhood but often used sarcastically.
‘Bhaiyya Ji’ holds a particular significance in the actor’s career, as it marks his 100th film. The production team behind this milestone includes Vinod Bhanushali, Kamlesh Bhanushali, Samiksha Oswal, Shael Oswal, Shabana Raza Bajpayee, and Vikram Khakhar. With Apoorv Singh Karki at the helm as director and Deepak Kingrani handling the script, the film promises to deliver on all fronts.
Reflecting on his journey in the film industry, Manoj Bajpayee expressed his gratitude for the unexpected longevity of his career. Initially not anticipating to feature in more than 10 films, he credited not only his hard work but also the grace of God and the support of audiences for his enduring success.
The film ‘Bhaiyya Ji’, as announced, is a complete package combining high-octane action sequences, an intense narrative revolving around revenge, and the powerful depiction of familial bonds. Audiences can mark their calendars for May 24, the official release date set for this anticipated project.
Manoj Bajpayee, throughout his career, has fiercely advocated for themes of equality and has been a vocal critic of discrimination in all its forms. His role in ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ not only adds another notable performance to his repertoire but also carries a message that resonates strongly with his personal beliefs – that every individual, irrespective of their geographical or cultural origins, commands respect and dignity.
This development comes at a time when the need for empathy and understanding across diverse backgrounds is increasingly recognized. The conversation Bajpayee sparked at the trailer launch is a timeous one, serving as a poignant reminder of the latent biases that still permeate various sectors of society – and the arts continue to challenge these through the influential medium of cinema. With ‘Bhaiyya Ji’, Manoj Bajpayee leads by example, breaking down prejudices and fostering a culture of respect and inclusion.
(With contributions from various agencies)
