Manoj Bajpayee recently shared a heartwarming anecdote about legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra, revealing that Chopra paid him his full lead actor fee for a brief cameo in the 2004 classic 'Veer-Zaara'. The actor recounted the story during an appearance on Shekhar Suman's show 'Shekhar Tonite'.
Manoj Bajpayee Recalls Yash Chopra's 'Veer-Zaara' Offer
According to Hindustan Times, Manoj looked back at the period after his breakthrough film 'Satya', when he received numerous lucrative offers. He admitted rejecting several high-paying roles because he did not want to be typecast as a villain. Instead, he chose projects based on stories and characters that aligned with his creative vision, even if it meant earning less.
Manoj then spoke about Yash Chopra's call for 'Veer-Zaara'. Chopra offered him a cameo after being impressed by his performance in 'Pinjar'. The actor recalled that he was so eager to work with the acclaimed director that he did not even want to hear the full script. He simply told Chopra to explain the story and character in one line, but Aditya Chopra ended up narrating the entire scene to him.
Yash Chopra Paid Manoj Bajpayee Full Fee
Manoj played Raza Sharazi in 'Veer-Zaara', starring Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Rani Mukerji. He said he asked Chopra to remember him for a bigger role next time. The filmmaker responded honestly, stating that he did not usually make films for actors like him. Manoj appreciated Chopra's candor, as the director did not make false promises.
The actor also revealed that he offered to do the cameo without any payment. 'I won't take any fees,' he recalled telling Chopra. However, the legendary filmmaker refused and later sent him a check for the same amount he typically charged for a lead role.
'Veer-Zaara,' released in 2004, was a major critical and commercial success. The film also featured Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Divya Dutta, Boman Irani, Anupam Kher, and Kirron Kher in key roles. It later won the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
This story highlights the mutual respect between two great talents and the generosity of Yash Chopra, who valued Manoj Bajpayee's contribution enough to pay him his standard fee, even for a brief appearance.
