Manoj Bajpayee remains one of the most respected actors in Indian cinema in 2025. Known for his raw performances and intense character portrayals, Bajpayee has had a remarkable journey from television to becoming a powerhouse in Bollywood and OTT platforms.
Here’s a detailed look at Manoj Bajpayee’s top roles, personal life, family background, and upcoming projects in 2025:
Manoj Bajpayee’s Top Roles: Iconic Performances That Shaped His Career
1. Sardar Khan in Gangs of Wasseypur
Bajpayee’s portrayal of Sardar Khan in Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) is still hailed as one of his finest. His menacing yet charismatic performance gave the crime drama an unforgettable edge.
2. Bhiku Mhatre in Satya
Ram Gopal Varma’s Satya (1998) introduced Manoj Bajpayee as Bhiku Mhatre, a role that changed the landscape of Indian gangster films. His line, “Mumbai ka king kaun? Bhiku Mhatre!” became iconic.
3. Professor in The Family Man
In Amazon Prime’s The Family Man series, Bajpayee played Srikant Tiwari, a relatable middle-class man balancing family life with his secretive government job. His performance redefined his reach to younger audiences.
4. Dasru in Joram (2023)
In Joram, a critically acclaimed eco-political thriller, Bajpayee delivered a haunting performance as a man fleeing the dark realities of systemic oppression.
5. Devendra Ranaut in Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai
In this 2023 courtroom drama, Bajpayee portrayed a courageous lawyer fighting for justice. The film showcased his ability to carry an entire movie on the strength of his performance alone.
Manoj Bajpayee’s Marriage to Shabana Raza and Private Life
Manoj Bajpayee has been married to actress Shabana Raza (also known by her screen name Neha) since 2006. The two met after the success of Satya, and their relationship has been a steady, low-profile affair. Unlike many celebrity couples, Bajpayee and Raza prefer to keep their private life out of the limelight.
Shabana Raza, who starred in films like Kareeb (1998), eventually stepped away from mainstream cinema, focusing more on family life. Manoj often credits her for being his emotional anchor throughout the highs and lows of his career.Their relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared passion for the arts, though they maintain a deliberate distance from the Bollywood party circuit.
Manoj Bajpayee’s Family: A Strong Bond with Roots in Bihar
Manoj Bajpayee hails from a small village called Belwa near Bettiah, in West Champaran, Bihar. He was born into a modest farming family. Despite humble beginnings, his parents emphasized the importance of education and hard work. Bajpayee is the second of five siblings.
His close-knit family remains a priority for him, and he often visits his hometown to stay connected to his roots. In various interviews, he has spoken about how his upbringing shaped his grounded nature and relentless pursuit of acting. He and Shabana Raza have a daughter, Ava Nayla Bajpayee. Manoj fiercely protects his daughter’s privacy and believes in giving her a normal upbringing away from the media glare.
Manoj Bajpayee’s Upcoming Projects in 2025: Films and OTT Series to Watch Out For
1. The Family Man Season 3
The much-awaited third season of The Family Man is set to release in late 2025. Bajpayee returns as Srikant Tiwari, with the new season promising a gripping narrative tied to geopolitical tensions in the Northeast of India.
2. Untitled Collaboration with Anubhav Sinha
Manoj Bajpayee has wrapped up filming an intense socio-political drama directed by Anubhav Sinha. The project is currently under post-production and slated for a winter 2025 release.
Manoj Bajpayee is no longer just considered an actor but a symbol of persistence and artistic excellence in Indian cinema. His choice of projects, often favoring content-driven films over big-budget blockbusters, has cemented his legacy as a performer who stays true to his craft.
He has also started mentoring young actors through workshops and collaborations, further contributing to the industry’s future. Bajpayee’s journey from a struggling outsider to a National Award-winning actor continues to inspire countless aspiring artists.