A heartwarming moment unfolded at the premiere of Manoj Bajpayee's new film, "Jugnuma," leaving the actor visibly embarrassed but also deeply touched. As Bajpayee graced the red carpet for his film, co-presented by Anurag Kashyap, he was met with a gesture of respect and affection from his colleagues, Jaideep Ahlawat and Anurag Kashyap, who unexpectedly bent down to touch his feet.

The gesture, captured in a now-viral video, shows Ahlawat and Kashyap, along with Vijay Varma, playfully attempting to touch Bajpayee's feet, causing the actor to blush and laugh in surprise. The camaraderie between the actors was evident, highlighting the strong bond they share.

The video quickly gained traction on social media, with fans expressing their admiration for the actors' bond and their respect for Bajpayee. Many comments lauded the genuine connection between the stars, appreciating the glimpse into their off-screen friendship.

Manoj Bajpayee and Anurag Kashyap's association goes back to the late 1990s, with Kashyap having written Bajpayee's iconic role as Bhiku Mhatre in Satya (1998). They have experienced both creative triumphs and challenges, but have produced remarkable works such as Gangs of Wasseypur. Despite a period of misunderstandings that drove a wedge between them, their professional respect for each other remains strong. Kashyap has also expressed his admiration for Bajpayee's performance in "Jugnuma," calling it "unlike anything" audiences have seen before. He lauded the film's humane yet magical unfolding, further cementing their mutual appreciation.

Jaideep Ahlawat, who shared screen space with Manoj Bajpayee in Gangs of Wasseypur, also holds the actor in high regard. Their professional relationship extends beyond Gangs of Wasseypur, with Ahlawat potentially joining the cast of The Family Man, further showcasing their connection in the industry. Ahlawat has spoken about how much he has learned from Bajpayee and hopes to work with him more in the future.

"Jugnuma," directed by Raam Reddy, is a magical-realism drama set in the late 1980s Himalayas. It tells the story of Dev (Manoj Bajpayee), an orchard owner who discovers mysteriously burnt trees and must confront hidden truths about his family. The film already premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and won Best Film at the Leeds International Film Festival, in addition to receiving a Special Jury Prize at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. The film is slated to release in theaters across India on September 12, 2025.