Mumbai: National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee once opened up about a deep sense of guilt he carried for years over spending too little time with his parents while pursuing his acting career.
An old clip from his conversation with filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has resurfaced online, in which the actor spoke candidly about sacrificing time with his parents, particularly his mother, Geeta Devi, in his pursuit of success.
‘I Left the Company of My Parents’
In the video, Manoj recalled that he had rarely spent more than a few days with his mother during the first two decades of his career.
He said he continued to carry a feeling of guilt that, in the race to achieve his dreams, he had sacrificed the company of his parents.
Recalling the first major award he received, Manoj said he invited his parents to the ceremony. They stayed with him for two days, during which his mother shared words that stayed with him.
She reminded him that failure did not make a person foolish.
A Mother’s Unforgettable Advice
Manoj also recalled a humorous exchange with his mother during a visit to Delhi.
After taking a bath and combing his hair, the actor asked his mother how he looked. Her response reflected her simple and humorous way of keeping him grounded.
He recalled her telling him that fame and money could make even a donkey look beautiful.
The memories highlighted the close bond Manoj shared with his mother and the influence she had on his life.
Manoj Bajpayee’s Bond With His Mother
Geeta Devi was a homemaker and remained an important source of strength for Manoj throughout his journey in the film industry.
The actor has often spoken about the sacrifices made by his parents and their support during the difficult early years of his career.
Geeta Devi passed away on December 8, 2022, at the age of 80. She had been unwell for around 20 days and was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Delhi.
Her death came around a year after Manoj lost his father in 2021.
The resurfaced video once again offers a glimpse into the personal side of the actor’s journey and the emotional cost he associated with pursuing his dreams.