Manoj Bajpayee's career graph is commendable and proof that hard work and perseverance can get you where you deserve to be. After playing small and supporting roles, the actor bagged Satya directed by Ram Gopal Varma. The role of Bhiku Mhatre has gone down in history and since then there was no turning back for Manoj. In a throwback interview with Lallantop, Bajpayee recalled how a role in Daud which he was competing with Irrfan and Viineet Kumar bagged him not only that film but also Satya.
The role was of Paresh's sidekick which was eventually played by Manoj. He had said, "We were being considered for Paresh Rawal's right-hand role in the movie Daud. Kannan Iyer, who made Ek Thi Daayan, was assisting Shekhar Kapur in Bandit Queen. He was writing Daud movie for Ram Gopal Verma. Kannan told me 'Irrfan and Vineet have been asked to come, I am calling you as well, come. Ram Gopal Verma is giving the right-hand man role. But if he is impressed with you, he could give you a bigger role in his next movie.' I asked how much money will I make, he said, ₹35,000 for that role."
Bajpayee added, "I reached and I saw Irrfan and Vineet there. Dono se baat-cheet kar ke rafa dafa kiya, phir mera number aaya (Ram Gopal Varma spoke to both of them first and then my turn came). We began talking and I told him that I began my journey with Bandit Queen. (He said) 'I have seen Bandit Queen twice, which role did you play?' I said 'Maan Singh'. He suddenly sprung up and asked, 'Are you telling me the truth?' I said, 'Yes, I am telling the truth. I was Maan Singh.' (He said) 'But you're so young and good-looking.' I said, 'Sir, I prepared for the role, grew a beard and aged the look (for the character).' 'Are you sure you are the Maan Singh?' (he asked) I said, 'yes sir."
Manoj recalled the further conversation he had with RGV by sharing, "Leave Daud, this is not for you. I will make my next movie with you' (he said). I said 'no sir, I will do this, I'll get ₹35,000...' (He cut him short and said) 'Oh you don't trust me, right. You do it, main ek badi film Telugu mein kar raha hoon, wo shuru karne waala hoon toh main usko cancel kar raha hoon aur sirf focus karunga Daud ke baad issi film pe. Toh mujhe jo hai, writer laa ke do. (I am going to make a big film in Telugu, I was about to begin work on that. I am cancelling that now and I will focus on the next movie after Daud. You get me a writer,)."