Manoj Bajpai's hard hitting performance in Satya came after he had rejected more than two scores film offers.

Straightforward, sober and sincere — that's actor Manoj Bajpai for you. For a man who works on his own terms and conditions, Bajpai's acceptability in mainstream cinema is a success story to reckon with. With powerhouse performances in Satya, Shool and Pinjar, he has to his credit two National Awards. But that's no big deal, he says. "Every film I do is a new struggle to give another power-packed performance and win another award," avers Bajpai.

After a hiatus from the silver screen post Veer-Zara, the actor will be seen opposite Juhi Chawla in his forthcoming film. And there are two other English films also expected to release by this year end. So why the long break? "I accept a script only when it is challenging and delights me in all its aspects. Even Aamir (Khan) is super-selective about the scripts he chooses and that explains why he's known for his acting skill," he asserts.

Not many people know that Manoj rejected 41 films before taking on Satya. "When I did Satya or Shool, there weren't many experimental filmmakers in the industry. There was a need of good actors who could turn down run-of-the-mill movies by big banners and encourage filmmakers to expand their vision. I think by rejecting 41 films (offered by many eminent directors) I set high benchmarks in Bollywood. The industry needs more people who can raise the bar that others aspire to meet," says Manoj candidly.

But despite his 'high benchmarks', how does he explain his presence in films like Bewafa and Fareb, which failed miserably at the Box Office? "I have no regrets for doing either of these films because both had strong scripts," he avers.

What did click at the BO, however, was his portrayal of the character Bhiku Matre in Satya. Though counted among the top 10 onscreen gangsters in Bollywood films, the character is not extra special for Bajpai. As he says, "I think any actor could easily play a Bhiku Matre."

But after doing a commendable job in his debut flick with Ram Gopal Verma, does he regret not being part of RGV's much talked about Sholay remake? "In a democratic country, everyone has full freedom to do what they want. Choosing the cast of the film is completely a director's call," retorts Manoj and goes on to add, "RGV is a terrific director. The USP of his remake would be the role of Gabbar Singh essayed by Amitji."

While Manoj hasn't explored a variety of roles and has stuck to the more serious stuff on screen, playing the typical Bollywood hero is not off limits for him. And he's keen to work with the likes of Subhash Ghai and Yash Chopra, "provided the idea convinces me," he avers.

And though he doesn't have the good looks of a typical Bollywood hero, Manoj takes pride in his looks "it is with this face that I am popular among my fans," he says confidently.

With so much self-assurance, he's one guy whom wannabe actors can easily turn to for advice. Manoj's tip: "Get into acting only if you are passionate about it!" And we could add, passionate like Manoj Bajpai!

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