The entertainment industry can often seem like a gladiatorial arena for many seeking to make their mark, with success stories providing the inspiration for countless aspirants. Actor Manoj Bajpayee stands as one such beacon in this realm, having carved a niche for himself through sheer perseverance and an array of memorable performances. Known for his candid discussions on the realities of ‘outsider’ experiences in Bollywood, Bajpayee has recently brought to light the personal hardships faced by his late friend, actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
During an in-depth conversation with interviewer Siddharth Kannan, Bajpayee opened up about the particular anguish Sushant felt due to the prevalence of so-called ‘blind articles’—unsourced, often malicious gossip pieces that are a staple in the murky world of Bollywood journalism. Bajpayee revealed how such articles preyed upon Sushant’s vulnerabilities. “Sushant was very vulnerable when it came to blind articles. He was a very good human being, and it is only a good person who can get affected by these things,” Bajpayee remarked, shedding light on the compassionate nature of his friend.
As Sushant grappled with the fallout from these articles, he would often seek Bajpayee’s advice on how to navigate the storm. With a history of facing similar challenges himself, Bajpayee would advise Sushant to rise above the slander. “I used to tell him not to take these things seriously because I have gone through such situations before, and I am still bearing the brunt of such articles against me,” Bajpayee shared, displaying a solidarity forged by parallel experiences in a competitive industry.
Sushant’s sensitivity and intellect compounded the adverse effects of these blind articles on his well-being. Bajpayee encouraged Sushant to adopt a tough approach, especially toward those wielding power in the industry. “I would tell my friends to convey to them that I would come and beat them up. What’s important is that the message is conveyed,” portrayed Bajpayee, acknowledging the harsh reality of conflict management within Bollywood’s corridors of power. However, despite Bajpayee’s more assertive stance, he knew that Sushant’s gentler nature found it difficult to retaliate in kind. “Sushant used to laugh and would say, ‘Sir aap hi kar sakte ho, mein nahi kar sakta ye (Sir only you can do it, I can’t). But he was troubled by blind articles,” lamented Bajpayee, reflecting on the tough exterior that is often necessary to weather the industry’s storms.
Unfortunately, Sushant Singh Rajput’s tumultuous journey came to a tragic halt on June 14, 2020, with his untimely demise. The aftermath rippled through the Hindi film fraternity, stirring a maelstrom of media coverage and public speculation. His sea-facing residence, a duplex commanding a monthly rent of ₹4.5 lakh, became a tangible relic of the void left by his passing. The case of Sushant’s death was placed in the hands of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Yet, three years on, the agency has yet to provide a conclusive resolution to the many lingering questions surrounding his death.
Amidst the remembrance and contemplation, Bajpayee continues his ascent in the acting world, steadfast on his professional journey. He has resumed filming for the much-anticipated third installment of the acclaimed series ‘Family Man’. Additionally, fans can look forward to seeing him in the upcoming film ‘Bhaiyaji’, further cementing his status as an exemplary figure in an often unforgiving industry. These projects underscore a career marked not only by a remarkable body of work but also by a willingness to extend a hand to those walking beside him—even when that journey leads through stormy weather.
