Actor Manoj Bajpayee has questioned Bollywood celebrities for remaining silent on issues affecting ordinary people, asking why those who avoid speaking up should be considered stars.
During a conversation with filmmaker and journalist Sanjay Sharma, Bajpayee discussed the contrast between actors portraying revolutionaries and champions of justice on screen and their reluctance to address social issues in real life.
Responding to a question on the subject, he asked, “Why do you even consider those who remain silent on people’s issues to be stars?”
The discussion also touched upon the contrasting public views of veteran actors Naseeruddin Shah and Piyush Mishra. Expressing deep admiration for Shah, Bajpayee said his respect for the actor was so profound that even if Shah were to slap him, he would accept it.
Bajpayee emphasised that disagreement with someone’s political or social opinions should not lead to the dismissal of their personality, artistic achievements or contribution to cinema. He said democracy must allow everyone, including actors and non-actors, the freedom to express opinions and register dissent.
He added that artists should not be condemned simply for voicing their convictions and that a healthy society must accommodate different perspectives without turning disagreements into personal hostility.
The audience also interacted with Bajpayee, asking questions about cinema, Bollywood, politics, social conditions, the responsibilities of artists and his personal experiences.
On the professional front, Bajpayee will next be seen in Ram Gopal Varma’s upcoming horror-comedy ‘Police Station Mein Bhoot’, co-starring Genelia Deshmukh.