A playful moment between filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and actor Manoj Bajpayee has captured the hearts of fans online. A video surfaced showing Kashyap, along with actors Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma, touching Bajpayee's feet at the Mumbai premiere of Bajpayee's new film, Jugnuma. The gesture, which quickly went viral, left fans wondering about the story behind it.
In a recent interview with News18, Anurag Kashyap explained the reason for the gesture. He revealed that he, along with Jaideep Ahlawat, Vijay Varma, and Viineet Kumar Singh, had reunited after a long time. The group decided to express their admiration for Manoj Bajpayee in a lighthearted and respectful way. Kashyap stated, "Jaideep, Vijay, Viineet and I met each other suddenly after a long time. And we touched Manoj's feet (laughs). He's unstoppable. He just goes on and on with his films. Inspector Zende was released recently, and then Jugnuma came. Kaise kar leta hai yeh aadmi (how does this man do this)! He's older but ten times fitter than me. He's like another Anil Kapoor. That's why hum unke pair padh gaye the. He's a legend".
The viral clip shows Manoj Bajpayee standing on stage as Vijay Varma greets him with a hug. Jaideep Ahlawat then playfully touches Bajpayee's feet, eliciting laughter from the actor. Anurag Kashyap and Vijay Varma then joined in, with Kashyap almost bowing completely while Bajpayee playfully tried to free himself. The friendly banter between the stars quickly won over the internet.
Kashyap's statement highlights Bajpayee's incredible work ethic and dedication to his craft. He humorously mentions Bajpayee's recent projects, including Inspector Zende and Jugnuma, emphasizing the actor's ability to consistently deliver compelling performances. Kashyap also playfully notes Bajpayee's fitness, comparing him to the ever-youthful Anil Kapoor.
Anurag Kashyap also spoke about his bond with Manoj Bajpayee, who he says doesn't shy away from calling him out for controversial remarks. Kashyap said that Bajpayee tells him, "Yaar, tum kyun karte ho aise?". He added, "He's somebody who has always looked out for me. He gives me the most honest advice". Kashyap also said that Bajpayee is like an elder brother to him, even though he looks ten times younger.
Manoj Bajpayee's recent work includes Inspector Zende, where he plays a determined police officer chasing Charles Sobhraj, and Jugnuma, where he plays a man searching for answers. He also has several upcoming projects, including Police Station Mein Bhoot and Family Man season 3. Anurag Kashyap's recent directorial venture, Nishaanchi, was released on September 19, 2025, and has received positive reviews. His next film, Bandar, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Kashyap will also be seen as an actor in Dacoit: A Love Story, scheduled for release in December 2025.
