Indian audience have now started to recognize actual talent in actors. Due to this, gifted and trained actors like Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pankaj Tripathi etc are getting meaty roles. However, things weren't always so great for traditionally trained actors in an industry dominated by stars. Manoj Bajpayee has spent around 25 years in the film industry and he has seen some really tough times before he finally started to get due for his hardwork.

When questioned about his hardships in the business, Manoj said, "It has definitely not been a bed of roses. When you read these interviews, it says so much about the journey also. Some day, I will write my autobiography, then you will come to know what it was like. You can’t really sum it up in a 15-minute interview."

He added, "All I will say is that I had quite a lot of ups and downs, it was a roller-coaster ride. I would never wish that anybody else gets into my shoes because the 25 years have only been a struggle to get films and good roles."

The actor concluded by saying, "What is bygone is bygone but at the same time, the industry has been a very competitive and cutthroat one. Anybody who is trying to come up with loads of self-respect and belief in his dreams, there will be people who will turn into enemies. They will expect you to work according to their dreams but in the manner I have been brought up, I was not ready to live their dreams, I was only here to live my own. It all clashed. Finally, I survived for 25 years in this industry."