Following four rejections from the National School of Drama, Manoj Bajpayee shared that he formed a Dronacharya-Eklavya bond with the esteemed acting institution, viewing it as a distant mentor that contributed significantly to his achievements.
At 22, there were few places better than NSD, with a monthly stipend of Rs 2,500, accommodation, free meals from the canteen, and the opportunity to learn from the finest in the acting realm, as stated by the “Satya” star.
Despite his aspiration, his initial attempts were unsuccessful.
“My connection with NSD resembles that of Eklavya with Guru Dronacharya. The fact that they didn’t request my thumb is secondary. They have embraced my presence instead, inviting me to conduct workshops with students. There exists mutual respect. The National School of Drama ranks among the world’s premier institutions,” Bajpayee remarked in an interview with PTI during a visit to the agency’s office.
The actor, who began in theatre before making a name in both arthouse and mainstream films, regarded institutes such as NSD, Pune’s Film and Television Institute of India, and Kolkata’s Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute as world-class.
“I fail to understand why they don’t receive the recognition they deserve,” he expressed.
He noted that he never complained about his NSD rejections, even during his first attempt.
“Rather, I felt inadequate with many shortcomings, for NSD can never be at fault,” he reflected.
However, the blow from his first failure was profound. While studying at Delhi University, he isolated himself in his rented room at Mukherjee Nagar, but friends helped him emerge from his despair.
“It was a difficult phase where I felt utterly lost regarding my next steps. My primary ambition was to join NSD, to work alongside the best for three years, residing on campus without worrying about food or accommodation. The scholarship at the time was around Rs 2,500, though I believe it stands at Rs 15,000 today.” Known for films like “Satya,” “Shool,” “Zubeida,” “Gangs of Wasseypur,” “Aligarh,” and the series “The Family Man,” Bajpayee mentioned that the subsequent three rejections did not impact him nearly as much as the first.
He gradually established his footing through numerous plays at Mandi House, then the hub of Delhi’s theatre scene.
“I dedicated three full years to theatre. I can say with confidence that I worked 18 hours a day. I remember battling malaria, yet my passion drove me to rehearsals despite my illness. I collapsed near a tea shop outside Hindu College.
“I regained consciousness when some fellow students splashed water on my face… I was so determined to learn and so passionate about my craft that I didn’t waste a moment,” he recounted.
Bajpayee’s ambition to join the prestigious Delhi performing arts institution likely took root during high school when he read about prominent alumni of NSD. This aspiration led him to leave his village and move to Delhi.
“From childhood, I yearned to act. My parents often took us to see plays. As I engrossed myself in films, I realized that I wanted nothing more than to pursue acting.
“Back in Class 5 or 6, I participated in elocution contests and nurtured a special affinity for poetry. Reciting poems became my passion, as such activities were rare in smaller towns. Winning elocution contests in school, held biannually, was significant for me.” He noted his ease in excelling at these competitions stemmed from his love for “poems and languages”.
While his years in Delhi were demanding, he refrained from labeling them a “struggle.” Instead, he viewed those times as crucial in shaping his future self.
“Hunger is a significant motivator when you come from a modest background. You rely heavily on friends who support you throughout the journey. I borrowed shoes and slippers, and friends shared their clothes. Although I was experiencing this at a young age, I didn’t perceive it as trouble, as youth was on my side,” he said.
“Life is to be lived. I enjoyed that time. If I couldn’t afford a bus ticket, I would walk to Yamuna Vihar, memorizing my lines during the journey. If I grew weary, I would pause at Chandni Chowk or ISBT,” he described his favorite spots around old and north Delhi near Delhi University.
Eklavya, a notable figure from the Indian epic Mahabharata, constructed a statue of Dronacharya after the guru refused to train him in archery. Realizing Eklavya possessed greater skill than his own students, Drona understood that fulfilling his promise to make Arjuna the finest archer was impossible with Eklavya. He then requested Eklavya’s right thumb as ‘guru dakshina’, which Eklavya willingly offered. (Agencies)
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