Manoj Bajpayee has often spoken candidly about the aspects of the film industry that he finds troubling.

While promoting his Netflix thriller 'Gajab Raat', the actor interacted with the audience and challenged the popular perception of the industry being one big family.

Drawing from his years of experience, Bajpayee spoke about the disconnect between the industry's public image and its reality, admitting that despite being part of it for decades, he has never felt that he truly belonged.

He also highlighted the need for equality on film sets, better interaction among actors and a more inclusive working environment.Questioning the idea of a close-knit film fraternity, Manoj Bajpayee said in an interview Bollywood Hungama, “I am an example, only if you want to consider me as one.

I am from the film industry yet I don’t feel I belong.

You need not necessarily have to be from Bandra only.

You can be in Malad and still be acting.

It’s important that whatever you do, is good.

It doesn’t matter.

There is no fraternity as such.

The biggest illusion is that the industry is a fraternity.

It isn’t like a family.

All the offices are built separately, nobody parties with anyone, nobody calls anyone when they like their film.

No actor feels happy on seeing someone else succeed.

No director thinks of himself lesser than the other director.

No production house is happy to see any other production house earn more money.

So, remove all these things from your mind.”The 'Gulmohar' actor also stressed that people entering the industry must learn to navigate their professional journeys independently, rather than expecting support from others.

He added, “You’ve come alone, and if at all you are leaving, you’ll be leaving alone.

Also, I am the wrong person to take this advice from, I am also giving this disclaimer to you (laughs).

Because, I don’t consider anyone.

I do my work, I ensure to take my money, and return home.”Bajpayee further explained that he does not allow either criticism or praise to influence his approach to work.

Speaking about the lack of solidarity within the industry, he said, “If you are criticising me, then please stay at your home.

If they are speaking a few good words about me, then for that, I stay really far to hear them.

So, there’s no attachment.

Forget about me, anybody from the industry, no matter how many times they say ‘industry is a fraternity’ — No, industry is a bullsh*t.

There is no fraternity here.

All of us are fighting our own battle, and you should be well-equipped to fight your own battle.

Nobody is going to help you.

If somebody comes to you, that must be a good day, that’s it.”The 57-year-old actor also spoke about the importance of discipline, saying that it helps people prepare for the challenges they encounter in their careers.

While acknowledging that several actors have succeeded without following a disciplined approach, he clarified that his own habits have always been different.

“There are many actors who aren’t disciplined, and they are praised and earn good money as well; I’m not talking about anybody else.

I am talking about myself, I like to be disciplined.

I was always like this, since my childhood.”When asked what he disliked most about the film industry, Bajpayee pointed to the absence of equality on sets and the declining interaction between actors.

He recalled a time when performers would spend time together between shoots, but said that the culture has changed significantly with the growing dependence on social media and vanity vans.“I am a very angsty person.

There is a lot of angst related to a lot of things.

Firstly, there needs to be equality on every set, everyone should eat the same food.

Secondly, actors should sit and talk with each other.

Earlier, actors would sit and talk, and would even meet in the evening, if their schedule permitted and would have a great chat and fun.

Now, every actor moves to their van, and what all they are doing is that they are on social media.

The phone and the hierarchy is killing the interaction.

You want to act, make a film, invest on the film, direct it, edit it; I don’t know how that will happen.

I really don’t know.

They don’t want to meet people because they are happy being on social media,” he said.The conversation also touched upon the growing distance between journalists and younger actors, with the host pointing out how multiple layers of management can make even a simple interaction difficult.

From managers assessing an actor's mood to messages being relayed through intermediaries, accessing talent has become increasingly complicated.Bajpayee, however, said he has tried to remain approachable throughout his career.

His willingness to engage directly with people has also helped him collaborate with emerging filmmakers, with many of his projects being helmed by new directors.

He added that his manager makes it a point to ensure that calls are not missed.Get the latest Bollywood & Entertainment News, and more.

Download the TOI app.Give your child the gift of confidence!

Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today!