Manoj Bajpayee has recently been making headlines for his candid comments on various aspects of the film industry. While promoting his latest film, Jugnuma: The Fable, the actor has voiced his opinions on topics ranging from the relevance of awards to the industry's focus on public relations and box office numbers.

Bajpayee has expressed his disappointment with the current PR machinery in Bollywood, suggesting that it often overshadows genuine talent and performance. In an interview with Humans of Cinema, he pointed out the trend of bestowing titles like "Best Actor" or "National Crush" based on publicity campaigns rather than consistent performances. He lamented that experienced and trained actors like himself and Piyush Mishra are sometimes overlooked despite their dedication and years of work. He stated that it feels humiliating when, after giving his all to the craft, he sees someone suddenly being labeled as "Best Actor" or "National Crush" through PR stunts.

While Bajpayee didn't directly name anyone, many interpreted his remarks as a subtle jab at Rashmika Mandanna, who is often referred to as the "national crush" by her fans. This sparked a debate online about the balance between genuine merit and PR-driven popularity in the film industry. Some observers agreed with Bajpayee, emphasizing the importance of recognizing actors for their hard work and dedication rather than manufactured images.

In another interview, Bajpayee addressed comparisons between himself and Shah Rukh Khan regarding the National Award win. While acknowledging that his film Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai was special, he dismissed the debate as a "loser conversation" and emphasized the need to move on from the past. He also expressed his view that National Awards, and awards in general, are losing their relevance and increasingly favoring commercial cinema. He believes that award organizations need to reflect on their processes to maintain respect.

Bajpayee has also spoken about the excessive focus on box office numbers in the industry. During an interview with ETimes while promoting his web series Killer Soup, he expressed his desire to erase the overwhelming emphasis on commercial success from the industry. He reminisced about his difficult initial days in Mumbai and highlighted the hierarchical nature of the film industry.

Despite his criticisms, Bajpayee remains dedicated to his craft and continues to seek challenging and meaningful roles. He recently revealed that he went through a tough phase during the making of Jugnuma and even considered leaving acting. However, a spiritual awakening during a visit to Neem Karoli Baba's cave helped him find renewed purpose. Jugnuma: The Fable, set in the 1980s Himalayas, is currently running in theaters. Fans are also eagerly awaiting his return in The Family Man Season 3.