MBIFL 2025: Piyush Pandey on writing Manoj Bajpayee’s biography, nepotism in Bollywood, and more

Author Piyush Pandey’s latest book -- Manoj Bajpayee: The Definitive Biography -- was a labour of love that stemmed not just from his admiration for Bajpayee but also from his long-standing association with the actor. At a session during the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters in Trivandrum, moderated by Ananya G, Pandey discussed the journey of writing the biography and shared insights into Bajpayee’s life and career.

When asked why he chose to write a biography on Manoj Bajpayee, Pandey offered three compelling reasons. He emphasised that Bajpayee was one of Bollywood’s finest talents, yet his story had not been told with the depth and attention that it deserved. Having known the actor since 2008, Pandey believed he had unique access to Bajpayee’s life beyond the public persona. Additionally, he found Bajpayee’s journey from a remote village in Bihar to Delhi and then Mumbai an inspiring tale of perseverance that warranted a book. When Pandey approached Bajpayee with the idea, the actor readily gave his consent.

The book took nearly two years to complete, with six to seven months dedicated to writing and the rest to extensive research. Pandey interviewed family members, colleagues, and industry insiders while also delving into archival interviews and articles. The process was immersive, uncovering untold stories and offering deeper insights into the early stages of Bajpayee’s career and personal journey.

When asked about stories that did not make it into the book, Pandey insisted that he had not omitted anything significant. However, he recalled anecdotes such as Bajpayee’s school crush and the nickname he got as a result, his initial rejection from the National School of Drama (NSD) before thriving under the mentorship of theater director Barry John, and the day he lost three projects in a single stroke, which led him to a depressed and hopeless phase in life.

On the subject of Bajpayee’s finest performances, Pandey found it difficult to choose just one. He cited Satya as a defining moment in the actor’s career but also praised his performances in 'Aligarh', 'Bhonsle', 'Pinchal', and 'Gulmohar'.

Nepotism in Bollywood

Diving into the ever-controversial topic of nepotism in Bollywood, Pandey shared a pragmatic perspective. “A person born into the film industry will naturally be inclined to work in it. Those from outside face a tougher struggle, but success doesn’t come from connections alone,” he explained. 

Drawing a parallel to other businesses, he compared it to a shopkeeper’s son inheriting the family store, arguing that actors from film families gravitate toward the industry for similar reasons. He also critiqued the media’s obsession with “nepo kids,” stating, “That’s where the glamour is, and that’s what sells.”

Pandey also expressed great admiration for the Malayali audience, calling them “the most sensible audience.” 

He praised legendary actors Mohanlal and Mammootty while mentioning his growing friendship with Unni Mukundan. One stark difference he observed between Bollywood and the Malayalam film industry was how Bollywood often separated commercial stars from artistic actors, whereas Malayalam cinema excelled at the intersection of both. 

“In Bollywood, the star of the masses is not the same as the star of the classes. In Kerala, people’s expectations shape the idea of stardom differently,” he noted.

Moderated by Ananya G, the session provided a thought-provoking exploration of Bajpayee’s legacy, the realities of Bollywood, the nuances of the Indian film industry, and more.