Mumbai: Noted actor Manoj Bajpayee, who has been conferred with the Padma Shri by the government for his contribution in the field of arts, has said he is really happy that no one has abused him on social media after his name was announced. He was interacting with the media here Monday.
There have been quite a few instances in the recent past when people have criticised the government’s choice on social media when it comes to conferring Padma awards to a particular individual. But Bajpayee feels he is an exception to that.
“My friends, relatives and followers are very happy that I have got the award. I have observed till now, no one has abused me on social media and no one has created controversy when my name was announced as one of the awardees of Padma Shri. I am really happy that nobody has raised objections against my nomination,” Bajpayee said.
The actor is a recipient of two National Awards and several other accolades. Manoj has worked in several critically acclaimed films including ‘Aligarh’, ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, ‘Satya’, ‘Shool’, ‘Zubeidaa’, ‘Rajeneeti’, ‘LOC Kargil’ and ‘Veer Zaara’ among others.
The news that he has been conferred with the Padma Shri was passed on to Bajpayee by senior actor Anupam Kher. “I didn’t know how to react because I wasn’t expecting that something like this. I was about to go to sleep, when Anupam Kher sir told me. It kind of made me go numb. He (Kher) must be wondering why I didn’t respond in joyful manner. Honestly, I didn’t know how to react,” informed Bajpayee.
Talking about his upcoming film ‘Son Chiriya’ Bajpayee said, “I think we have made really good film. I have been huge admirer of Abhishek Chaubey’s (director) work and I feel fortunate to work with him. I have played small role in the film but it’s really important. I hope people appreciate my role in the film.”
The movie releases on March 1, 2019.
IANS