An artist is a rebel, so he always finds new ways - Manoj Bajpayee

OTT's most popular web series, 'The Family Man 3,' has been receiving a tremendous response from audiences since its release. In this new chapter, Manoj Bajpayee returns as Srikant Tiwari, and the story unfolds with a new twist, this time set against the sensitive backdrop of the Northeast. Following the immense success of the first two seasons, this season is proving to be even more impressive in terms of action, emotion, and political tension. Recently, Manoj Bajpayee spoke candidly about the new season, his character, and the changing era of OTT. Read what he said...

Your look and personality appear almost unchanged in 'The Family Man'. How do you maintain your fitness and routine?

Look, changes do happen... I can feel them myself. But yes, I always strive to stay fit. Eating well and on time, getting enough sleep, morning yoga and exercise—these are part of my daily routine. These habits alone help me stay healthy and maintain the same composure on screen.

Also Read:Four Action Directors For Dhurandhar: A High-Octane Action Thriller with Grand Set-Pieces

Has playing Shrikant Tiwari had any impact on your personality? Have you picked up any of Shrikant's habits or qualities?

Srikant is a man of intelligence. His skills are of no use to me. But yes, he has given me a sense of alertness. I've developed a bit of that quality of being able to read other people's body language.

Tell us about your experience sharing the screen with Jaideep Ahlawat after so many years?

I've known Jaideep for a long time—since the days of Chittagong, when he, Rajkummar Rao, and Vijay Varma were all in their early days. That's when I suggested his name to Anurag. Working with him again after so many years felt like sharing the set with an old, trusted colleague. He still commands the same respect, and we maintain a beautiful, professional senior-junior relationship.

Also read: Ranveer Singh Promotes Dhurandhar at the Closing Ceremony of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

What was the atmosphere like when you and Jaideep were together on set?

The atmosphere on set was always light and comfortable. As soon as the cameras were off, our conversations mostly revolved around food—because I cook mutton myself and sometimes even cooked it on set. Jaideep prefers chicken to mutton, so we'd often joke about that. The rest of the time, I was immersed in my work, but there were occasional laughs and jokes—just like between good co-actors.

Is OTT now leaning towards commercials and A-listers?

OTT still offers opportunities to everyone. Only the platform's priorities have changed—they now want to reach out more to families. But not every story can be for a family audience. An artist or filmmaker's path is always forged by themselves. Paths change with time, but the struggle remains the same. An artist is a bit rebellious, so they are always exploring new paths. This is their true strength.

A tip every actor should follow:

Read a poem or a short story every day, memorize a small portion of it, and try reciting it in person. Just as gym is essential for keeping the body fit, this small practice is crucial for keeping the mind and expression sharp.

View this post on Instagram

FAQ