Manoj Bajpayee opens up about Sushant Singh Rajput's Bollywood struggles, says he was not a 'mad guy'

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Sushant Singh Rajput in 2020 shocked the entire nation. Known for his powerful performances in films like Kedarnath and Kai Po Che!, the actor's untimely passing left many in the industry mourning. Recently, actor Manoj Bajpayee, who worked with Rajput in Sonchiriya, shared his thoughts and memories of the late actor.

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Manoj's Advice to Sushant: 'Develop a Thick Skin'

Manoj Bajpayee, a seasoned actor who has navigated the challenges of the film industry, shared the advice he gave to Sushant. Speaking to Mid-Day, Manoj recalled, «We used to have chats about the industry and its politics. I always told him to keep thick skin, nahi toh yeh jaan maar degi tumhari.» He explained how he had developed a thick skin after facing numerous rejections throughout his career. «It was a part of my life, but many of my friends couldn’t handle rejections like I did,» he added.

Despite the challenges of working in a competitive industry, Manoj shared moments of camaraderie with Sushant on the Sonchiriya set. «He was a moody guy, and so am I,» Manoj recalled. He fondly remembered Sushant calling him just before the pandemic hit, saying, “Manoj bhai, I really crave the mutton you cook, so next time when you make it, please invite me over."

Sushant: A Voracious Reader with a Brilliant Mind

Manoj reflected on Sushant's intellectual side, describing