Manoj, Aks remains one of your most important early films.
Absolutely. Aks was a very, very important film in my career. I signed it in 1999, right after Satya, Shool, and Kaun. Anurag Kashyap told me Rakeysh Mehra wanted to meet me. When I met him and heard the narration till the interval, it was immediately clear—I had to be a part of it.
24 Years of Aks: Manoj Bajpayee calls it his “Most imaginative performance”
Wasn’t the role quite challenging?
Yes. I could see it would really test me. My character, Raghavan, needed to be approached differently. There were no dialogues initially—I had to create everything in my head.
Aks was a unique take on good versus evil.
Exactly. Evil is vast—it can be attractive, greedy, brutal, even charming. I had to embody all of that. This was someone who had achieved Siddhi, who could see the future. It was a complex portrayal.
Your character kept evolving.
It became clear to the audience that this was a formidable character. I kept improvising, rehearsing in my apartment in front of Rakeysh. Eventually, I performed a version in front of Kamlesh Pandeyji to convey how I envisioned the evil.
There was a philosophical underpinning as well.
Yes, the “na koi marta hai, na koi marta hai” philosophy emerged from my rehearsals. Finding Raghavan took six months. It was exhausting, but one of the most enriching experiences of my life.
Yet, the film didn’t work commercially.
Unfortunately, yes. Back then, audiences expected films to succeed on Day One. Aks was ahead of its time. Today’s actors still reference it. It was revolutionary, and I’m proud of it.
Where do you place Aks in your body of work?
It’s one of my best and most imaginative performances. Sadly, in our industry, path-breaking work doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves. But Aks was our “Joker” — and that too, 24 years ago.
Would Aks work better now?
Definitely. Raghavan is immortal. I don’t think it should be remade, but adapted for today’s times—it has that potential.
What was it like working with Mr. Bachchan?
Incredible. I met him several times before shooting just to let the awe wear off. I needed to see him as a character, not an icon. He was gracious and made me very comfortable. Rakeysh Mehra held my hand throughout. Kiran Deohans, the cinematographer, created magic. Anu Malik’s music and Gulzar Saab’s lyrics were extraordinary. A film becomes a masterpiece when every department contributes with imagination. I’m so grateful to have been part of it.
Also Read: Manoj Bajpayee confirms The Family Man 3 will stream this October or November
More Pages: Aks Box Office Collection
, Aks Movie Review
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