Manoj Bajpayee reflects on Shyam Benegal's impact on his career in 'Zubeidaa'

Filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who passed away in Mumbai at age 90, played a crucial role in Manoj Bajpayee's career. Bajpayee, known for his role in "Satya," was initially hesitant to take on the royal role in Benegal's 2001 film "Zubeidaa." Benegal convinced Bajpayee to accept the role of Prince Vijayendra Singh, despite the actor's doubts about his appearance. Bajpayee credited Benegal's vision for seeing his potential beyond looks, which helped him grow as an artist. "Zubeidaa" marked a significant turning point for Bajpayee, reshaping how audiences viewed his capabilities in film.