Bollywood veteran Manoj Bajpayee has ignited discussions with his candid remarks on the film industry’s penchant for quickly bestowing titles like “Best Actor” or “National Crush” on performers. Speaking in a recent YouTube interview, Bajpayee highlighted how such labels often emerge after just one or two noteworthy performances, a practice he believes undermines the dedication and training of seasoned actors.

Reflecting on his own journey, as well as that of fellow actor Piyush Mishra, Bajpayee remarked, “It is humiliating for him, who has trained as an actor and worked for years. It is also humiliating for me, who has given everything to this profession. Suddenly you see ‘Best Actor’ hashtags after just one performance, and after a few months, another actor is given the same title, sometimes even called the ‘National Crush.’ The culture has changed completely.”

Many interpreted his statement as a critique of Bollywood’s current PR-driven culture, where social media trends and image-building often overshadow consistent artistic merit. While Bajpayee did not name any specific actors, his comments have sparked speculation online about rising stars who gain fame quickly through viral recognition rather than sustained performances.

Fans and industry observers have largely supported Bajpayee’s viewpoint, emphasizing that respect in acting should stem from years of hard work and consistent performances rather than fleeting promotional strategies.

Professionally, Manoj Bajpayee is currently featured in Jugnuma – The Fable and previously appeared in Inspector Zende, now streaming on Netflix. Known for his acclaimed roles in Gangs of Wasseypur and the The Family Man series, Bajpayee continues to be celebrated as one of Indian cinema’s most accomplished and respected actors.