Manoj Bajpayee Discusses the Complexities of Portraying a Police Officer in Gajab Raat
Manoj Bajpayee shares insights on his role in Gajab Raat, highlighting the challenges of police work and the human stories behind uniforms.

Mumbai, October 22 (Daily Kiran) : In Mumbai, actor Manoj Bajpayee is set to portray a police officer named Ajay Dixit in the suspense thriller film “Gajab Raat.” In a recent conversation, Bajpayee opened up about the depth of his character, emphasizing that he is not merely playing a uniformed role but rather exploring the human story behind it.
“I am not just playing a character in a uniform; I am portraying the person behind that uniform,” Bajpayee stated. He believes that every individual has their own stories, struggles, and journeys, and the film aims to capture that essence.
For Bajpayee, it is crucial to highlight the life of the individual rather than the uniform itself. “We focus more on the character than on their profession. When the backstory is developed, it reveals everything,” he explained. This approach ensures that no two characters he plays are alike.
Bajpayee acknowledged the challenges and difficulties of police work, mentioning that he has many friends in the police force. He also pointed out that some officers misuse their power. “Every profession has a variety of people. It’s important for me to discern whether the person I’m interacting with or discussing is truly deserving of praise or criticism,” he remarked.
He added, “I know that police duty is incredibly tough. While I have many good friends in the force, we often read reports about individuals who abuse their authority.”
Bajpayee drew a parallel to the film industry, noting that while there are many talented actors, the actions of a few can tarnish the reputation of the entire industry. “It often happens that someone is elevated to a god-like status in our profession, only to have their actions questioned later,” he said. “We should evaluate each person individually, and that’s what I strive to do.”
Directed by Riteish Shah, “Gajab Raat” is a one-night thriller that unfolds over the course of a single evening. In addition to Bajpayee, the film features notable performances by Nusrat Bharucha, Divya Dutta, Saqib Saleem, and Akshay Oberoi.



