MUMBAI , May 23, 2023: During promotion of his upcoming film Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, actor Manoj Bajpayee discussed the impact of nepotism on the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, whom he described as a “pure soul.”
In an interview with private news channel, Bajpayee while remembering fondly about his bond with Sushant, stated, “We became really close, and he had so much love for me.”
Addressing the politics prevalent in Bollywood, the seasoned actor acknowledged, “There is always politics in the industry, but it becomes more intense as you climb the ladder of success.”
Bajpayee, who is 54 years old, contemplated on the existence of nepotism in the industry, noting that those who aspire for great heights often face stiff resistance from influential figures in the industry.
“He wanted to become a star, and the competition in this field is intense. Anyone entering the industry with dreams of stardom would strive to achieve that position. However, he couldn’t handle it. I realized that he was an innocent soul, someone with a childlike heart. He couldn’t comprehend the manipulation required in the industry.”
Sushant, known for his role in MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, tragically passed away in his apartment on June 14, 2020, leaving his fans devastated. His untimely demise sparked a significant discussion on nepotism within the Bollywood industry.