As the iconic gangster film Satya completes 25 years, Manoj Bajpayee sets the record straight about his role in the movie. Contrary to popular belief, Bajpayee reveals that he was never offered the title role of Satya. Instead, director Ram Gopal Varma approached him for a different part after being impressed by his performance in Bandit Queen. Bajpayee’s portrayal of Bhiku Mhatre in Satya became a turning point in his career. Varma initially had only an idea about an underworld film and sought Bajpayee’s assistance in finding writers. This led to the involvement of Anurag Kashyap and Saurav Shukla, who shaped the script. As the character of Bhiku Mhatre gained prominence, Varma decided to cast J D Chakravarthy in the title role due to his screen presence. Bajpayee emphasizes that his association with Satya began with its inception, not as the lead.
Reflecting on his relationship with Varma, Bajpayee acknowledges the director’s role in his career and expresses gratitude for the opportunities provided. Despite their fallout after Satya, Bajpayee fondly recalls their early days as “children” in the industry.
