On the occasion of his birthday, Indian cinema celebrates one of its finest and most versatile actors, Manoj Bajpayee.

Known for his powerful performances and unmatched range, Bajpayee has built a career defined by bold choices and unforgettable characters.

He rose to national fame with his breakthrough role as Bhiku Mhatre in Satya (1998), a performance that earned him a National Award and became a cultural milestone. In Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), he portrayed the iconic Sardar Khan, blending menace with emotional depth.

Bajpayee has consistently taken on challenging roles, such as Professor Siras in Aligarh (2016), a deeply moving portrayal that won him international recognition.

His performance in Bhonsle (2018) as a retired, terminally ill cop earned him another National Award.

Other notable roles include the honest officer Veerendra Pratap in Shool, the morally complex Inspector Samar in Aks, and the sharp CBI officer in Special 26.

His current role as Srikant Tiwari in The Family Man continues to showcase his range and relatability.

Which role of Manoj is your favourite? Let us know in the comments!