Bajpayee credits RGV, Barry John for shaping his career

Actor Manoj Bajpayee says it was filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma and acting guru Barry John’s conviction and belief in him that he became an actor and reached so far in his career.

The National Award-winning actor, who will be seen playing coach Biranchi Das in upcoming biopic ‘Budhia Singh–Born To Run,’ is grateful to his mentors for spotting his talent and encouraging him to become an actor.

“‘Budhia Singh–Born To Run’ is a tribute to my mentors Ram Gopal Varma and Barry John. They have played a very important role in shaping my career as an actor. It was their conviction and belief in me that really made me think I can act. Without their support, maybe I wouldn’t have reached where I am today,” Manoj said.

After a few unnoticed roles, the 47-year-old actor played gangster Bhiku Mhatre in Varma’s 1998 crime drama ‘Satya,’ which proved to be a breakthrough film in Indian cinema. Thereafter he went on to do films like ‘Kaun,’ ‘Shool’ and ‘Road’ with RGV.

The actor hopes everyone finds someone who would spot their talent. “I want every Budhia to get his Biranchi Das (coach) early in his life to spot the talent and support him, nurture it and push him to achieve greater goals in life,” Manoj said. ‘Budhia Singh – Born To Run’ will release in cinemas on August 5.