Renowned actor Kay Kay Menon, currently riding high on the waves of praise for his role in the recently released streaming series ‘Shekhar Home,’ has candidly referred to himself as a stubborn actor. During a recent appearance on the ‘Humans of Bombay’ podcast, the actor did not shy away from discussing the significant struggles he faced at the beginning of his career. Menon revealed that he was so demoralized at one point that he seriously contemplated leaving the film industry altogether, believing that the market was not conducive to serious actors like him.
“I thought the market wouldn’t allow serious actors like me to work in films,” Menon shared during the podcast. He expressed his despair at the time, attributing his feelings to the industry’s leanings toward overly mainstream cinema prevalent during the 1990s. However, destiny had other plans for him. The turning point came when he witnessed the Manoj Bajpayee-starrer cult classic ‘Satya’ making a massive impact. This film, which broke away from conventional storytelling, proved to Menon that there was a receptive audience and a market ready for his type of cinema.
Recalling this pivotal moment, Menon said, “I was gonna leave because I thought I couldn’t do the overly mainstream cinema as it used to be in the 1990s. Then I saw ‘Satya’ garnering such a great response. I felt, ‘Oh now this has become a big hit’.”
This newfound realization gave Menon the motivation to continue pursuing his passion for acting. A few years down the line, he had the opportunity to collaborate with Anurag Kashyap, the screenwriter of ‘Satya,’ in ‘The Last Train To Mahakali’. However, it wasn’t until his role in ‘Sarkar’ that Menon firmly established his foothold in the industry.
Reflecting on the monumental role, Menon remarked, “Till ‘Sarkar’ I used to introduce myself as ‘Kay Kay Menon, I’m an actor.’ After ‘Sarkar,’ I stopped doing that. Uske baad, ‘I’m an actor’, bolne ki zaroorat nahi padi.
.” He fondly recalls that audiences came initially to see veteran megastar Amitabh Bachchan, the lead actor in ‘Sarkar,’ but stayed impressed with Menon’s performance as an added bonus.
Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, who was also at the helm of ‘Satya,’ ‘Sarkar’ became a significant milestone in Menon’s acting career. It validated his hard work and solidified his belief that persistence pays off.
Menon also shared insights from his friendship with Manoj Bajpayee, another accomplished actor known for his unconventional choices. “Manoj Bajpayee always tells me that we are very stubborn people. There were many actors, perhaps some better than us, who perished and left the city,” he reflected. This camaraderie and mutual understanding between the two actors underscore the trials and tribulations they faced in an industry that wasn’t always accepting of their talent and style.
Interestingly, Menon’s journey highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and remaining resilient in the face of adversity. His story serves as a beacon of hope for many aspiring actors who may feel disheartened by the initial challenges they encounter. Despite the industry’s often unforgiving nature, Menon’s journey illustrates that determination, coupled with a bit of serendipity, can lead to significant breakthroughs.
The actor’s candid revelations on the ‘Humans of Bombay’ podcast have struck a chord with many listeners and fans who admire his dedication and resilience. Menon’s narrative is not just a testament to his capabilities as an actor but also to his unwavering belief in his craft.
As ‘Shekhar Home’ continues to garner positive reviews, it is evident that Menon’s perseverance has paid off, allowing him to carve out a niche for himself in Bollywood. His journey from contemplating quitting to becoming one of the most respected actors in the industry epitomizes the essence of true grit and steadfastness.
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