Craft of acting can be taught: Manoj Bajpayee

National Award winning actor Manoj Bajpayee, whose forthcoming release is Neeraj Pandey's ‘Aiyaary’, says the craft of acting can be taught but it needs relentless passion from the learner.Can acting be taught or does it come from the experiences of life?

Manoj, whose application to the National School of Drama (NSD) was rejected multiple times, said : "I think the craft of acting can be taught. Yes, there's a lot we embrace from the experience of life and to a certain point, there is an inborn talent. But acting is a mix of talent and craft.

"I know many average actors, who learnt the craft rightly and with the years of practice, they have managed to find their way. That is why we go to some of the great institutes in our country like NSD and Film and Television Institute of India. Some of the greatest personalities of the craft visit there to teach youngsters about acting.

"Having said that, I believe one can only teach you the art of acting if you are passionate about it... This art form comes from passion."

In ‘Aiyaary’, Manoj shares the frame with young actor Sidharth Malhotra. He is impressed by Sidharth's interest in learning. "I love to share my experience with youngsters, especially with those who have an interest to learn the craft,” he concludes.