Veteran actor Manoj Bajpayee has criticised the Hindi film industry for failing to make full use of talented performers. Speaking while promoting his upcoming project Gajab Raat, the actor said Bollywood has developed a poor reputation by limiting talented artists to stereotypical roles instead of giving them opportunities to explore their full potential.
Bajpayee reportedly said that only around 25 per cent of his acting abilities have been utilised throughout his career. His remarks have once again brought attention to the challenges actors face when they are repeatedly offered similar characters despite their ability to perform a wide range of roles.
Divya Dutta Highlights the Problem of Supporting Actor Labels
Actress Divya Dutta, who is also associated with the upcoming project, echoed Bajpayee’s concerns about the way performers are categorised in the industry.
She expressed her discomfort with the label of a supporting actor, pointing out that such classifications can limit opportunities and influence how artists are perceived by filmmakers.
The discussion highlights a long-standing concern in Bollywood, where actors who are not positioned as conventional leading stars can struggle to secure roles that fully showcase their abilities.
Why Typecasting Remains a Concern
Typecasting occurs when actors are repeatedly offered characters similar to those they have played before. While familiar roles can help performers build recognition, they can also restrict creative growth and prevent audiences from seeing different aspects of their talent.
Bajpayee’s comments have renewed the conversation about casting choices, creative opportunities and the industry’s responsibility to recognise talent beyond conventional star hierarchies.
The discussion also raises questions about whether Bollywood provides enough space for experienced performers to experiment with complex and unconventional characters.
Bajpayee and Dutta’s remarks bring attention to an important issue within the entertainment industry: talent needs opportunities, not labels. Their upcoming project, Gajab Raat, is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on October 23, 2026.