Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Manoj Bajpayee opens up about a 'passing suicidal thought' during depressive period 

Despite his struggles, Bajpayee eventually found his footing in the theatre community and went on to become a celebrated actor.

Manoj Bajpayee opens up about a 'passing suicidal thought' during depressive period 

Acclaimed Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee has opened up about his struggle with depression, revealing that he experienced a phase of deep sadness after being rejected from the National School of Drama (NSD).

Talking exclusively to ANI, Bajpayee reminisced about his childhood and shared that he had always aspired to become an actor since his fifth standard when he was lauded for his recitation of a poem by Harivansh Rai Bachchan. "When I came down after reciting it; somewhere in my mind there was a resolve that I am going to do acting," he said.


However, he kept his aspirations to himself as he could not share them with his family. As he grew up, Bajpayee became more determined to pursue his dream and set his sights on the National School of Drama in Delhi. Bajpayee stated, "My mind was set that after school I have to prepare for the National School of Drama and take admission there."

Fast-forward many years, when Bajpayee failed to pass the MBBS exam, he told his father to let him prepare for UPSC in Delhi. However, his goal was still NSD and when he was not able to get admission there it had a deep impact on the actor.

Bajpayee revealed that he went through a phase where he felt that all doors had been closed to him, as he had only ever had one plan and had not prepared for any alternatives. The rejection from NSD had a significant impact on him, and he found it difficult to face his loved ones during this time.

He said, "By the time I went to the National School of Drama (NSD), I had become quite experienced during those 3 years but still I was rejected. Following that for a duration of one month I felt like everything of mine has been taken away because I never had a Plan B. I never make a Plan B. After that for a month my friends supported me and got me out of depression and I started looking for a new path. Ultimately, in Mandi House, a theatre group of NSD alumni was doing a 365-day workshop, which I joined. I learned a lot there.

Delving deeper into that period, the actor shared that he experienced a fleeting suicidal thought of depression, but it was not as serious as the media made it out to be. He stressed that such thoughts were not uncommon for people who suffer from depression.

Bajpayee revealed, "I went into such a depression where I didn't know how to face the near and dear ones. And when you only have one plan you feel as if all doors have been closed. It was during this time that I had a passing suicidal thought that people made headlines out of but that wasn't the case, it was just a passing thought that people experience while depressed."

Speaking about his experience, Bajpayee highlighted the impact of changing family dynamics on mental health. He pointed out that in the past, the family system acted as a support network for individuals, but this support has eroded in modern times.

Talking about the changing dynamics of the family system, Bajpayee said, "When a family system breaks, it somewhere manifests as depression. Earlier, society used to have a family system that acted as a support. Now, society is there just for saying but the system has crumbled internally... People keep themselves behind doors in the name of privacy and we also become a lot self-centred ever since we have the joint family."

Despite his struggles, Bajpayee eventually found his footing in the theatre community and went on to become a celebrated actor. His candid revelation about his depression serves as a reminder that mental health challenges can affect anyone, and it is essential to seek help and support during difficult times.

(ANI)

More For You

Sreeleela

Sreeleela’s rise from South cinema to Bollywood stardom has captivated audiences across India

Instagram/sreeleela14

Can Sreeleela fill the big Bollywood void?

It is no secret that Bollywood is facing a talent drought. While established stars continue to dominate screens, there is a clear gap when it comes to younger actors making a strong mark.

In the past, each generation delivered a crop of newcomers who injected fresh energy into the industry. That pattern has stalled in recent years, with fewer young actors making a lasting impression. Into this space steps Sreeleela, a fast-rising actor from the South who has begun to attract serious attention in Hindi cinema.

Keep ReadingShow less
Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh stuns on the red carpet at the London premiere of Thunderbolts, hours before a robbery unfolded outside the after-party venue

Getty Images

Masked robbers target Florence Pugh's van after 'Thunderbolts' premiere in London

In a shocking turn of events after the London premiere of her latest film Thunderbolts, actress Florence Pugh found herself at the centre of a robbery. The 29-year-old was attending an after-party at 180 Strand, accompanied by family and friends, when thieves targeted one of the five Mercedes minivans used to transport her and her entourage.

Pugh, joined by her grandmother Pat and actor boyfriend Finn Cole, had just arrived at the venue following the screening of the Marvel blockbuster at Leicester Square. As they went inside, two masked men on a motorbike approached one of the parked vehicles, smashing its windows in the process. The thieves swiftly stole a laptop and a mobile phone from the van's middle seats before fleeing the scene.

Keep ReadingShow less
Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber

Justin Bieber breaks his silence on marriage rumours and health concerns following viral Coachella video

Getty Images

Justin Bieber clears the air on Hailey Bieber relationship rumours and addresses health struggles

Justin Bieber has been forced to address ongoing rumours about his marriage to Hailey Bieber and his personal health after weeks of speculation. Recently, a video of him smoking at the 2025 Coachella Festival went viral, causing concern among fans and reigniting gossip about his relationship.

In response, Justin took to Instagram to set the record straight, writing a candid note about his feelings. He spoke out against the harsh judgement he's faced, acknowledging his flaws and how they shape his perspective. "They treat me like a** out here, but I remember that I am flawed too and God forgave me," he shared. The 31-year-old singer explained that while he doesn’t always handle negativity perfectly, remembering his own imperfections helps him rise above the criticism.

Keep ReadingShow less
jewel thief reviews

Jewel Thief leaves critics underwhelmed by its predictable plot and uninspired direction

Youtube Screengrab

‘Jewel Thief’ review: Critics call it a predictable heist film with uninspired direction

The much-anticipated heist film Jewel Thief promised a thrilling ride with high-stakes action and suspense. However, early reviews suggest that the film falls short of expectations, leaving viewers underwhelmed by its predictable plot and lacklustre execution.

The premise of Jewel Thief centres around a master thief who is forced by a menacing antagonist to steal a rare diamond. Critics, however, note that while the plot has the potential to be gripping, the execution doesn’t quite live up to the hype. The film is described as a "predictable heist" where the twists are "painfully obvious" from the start, offering little in terms of suspense or surprise. The film’s plot quickly devolves into a familiar, formulaic chase that never quite finds its footing.

Keep ReadingShow less
You

A final chapter full of twists, turns, and the inevitable end of Joe Goldberg’s story

Instagram/Younetflix

'You' season 5 reviews: Critics react to Joe Goldberg’s bloody final chapter with mixed responses

Netflix’s You has always sparked strong reactions, equal parts addictive and absurd, and its fifth and final season stays true to that legacy. As Joe Goldberg bows out in this last chapter, the critical response has been a mix of intrigue, exhaustion, and reluctant admiration. Here's a breakdown of the overall verdict.

A slow start that eventually pays off?
The final season has been widely described as sluggish in its early episodes, bogged down by repetitive family drama surrounding Kate’s aristocratic and scheming relatives. The beginning feels a bit slow and hard to get into, but many agree that a mid-season twist helps inject some long-overdue energy. Once the narrative picks up, it becomes more engaging, if not exactly fresh, with enough momentum to keep viewers curious about how Joe's story will unravel.

Keep ReadingShow less