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

Lokesh Kanagaraj

Sanjay Dutt says he was wasted in Leo Lokesh Kanagaraj admits the role could have been better

X/Sanjay Dutt

Lokesh Kanagaraj admits writing flaws after Sanjay Dutt says he was underused in 'Leo'

Highlights:

  • Sanjay Dutt recently said he was “angry” at Lokesh Kanagaraj for underusing him in Leo.
  • Lokesh admitted he “probably made a mistake” and acknowledged flaws in his writing.
  • The director revealed Sanjay called him after the clip went viral and clarified it was a light-hearted comment.
  • Lokesh promised to give Sanjay “one of his best roles” in a future collaboration.

Filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj has addressed Sanjay Dutt’s recent statement about being underused in Leo, admitting he might have made a mistake while writing the veteran actor’s character. Dutt, who played the antagonist Antony Das in the Vijay-led film, had said during a promotional event that he felt the director “wasted” his talent by not giving him a stronger role.

The Leo clip, shared widely on social media, sparked discussions around casting big stars in brief parts. Lokesh has now responded with humility, acknowledging the criticism and calling it part of his learning curve as a filmmaker.

Keep ReadingShow less
Beyoncé

Beyoncé performing during her Cowboy Carter tour in Atlanta

Instagram/beyonce

Beyoncé’s unreleased music stolen from car in Atlanta days before Cowboy Carter shows

Highlights:

  • Choreographer Christopher Grant and dancer Diandre Blue’s rental car was broken into on 8 July in Atlanta.
  • Five hard drives with Beyoncé’s unreleased music, show visuals, and setlists were among the stolen items.
  • Police tracked the location of missing devices and issued an arrest warrant, but no suspect has been publicly named.
  • The incident occurred two days before Beyoncé’s four-night tour stop at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Just two days before Beyoncé was set to take the stage in Atlanta for her Cowboy Carter tour, a major security breach rocked her team. Unreleased music, private show material, and luxury items were stolen from a rental vehicle used by her choreographer and dancer, police confirmed.

Atlanta authorities say the break-in happened on 8 July around 8 pm in a parking garage near Krog Street Market. The SUV, a black Jeep Wagoneer, was briefly left unattended by choreographer Christopher Grant and dancer Diandre Blue while they grabbed food. When they returned, the rear window had been smashed, and two suitcases containing sensitive material were missing.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ramayana
Producer Namit Malhotra reveals how AI will make Ramayana resonate globally with native-language realism
IMDB/Reddit

Ranbir Kapoor and Yash starrer 'Ramayana' becomes India’s costliest film with £375 million budget

Highlights:

  • Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, will be released in two parts on Diwali 2026 and 2027.
  • Producer Namit Malhotra confirmed the combined budget is over £375 million (₹4,000 crore).
  • The film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, and Sunny Deol, with music by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman.
  • It will use AI dubbing and IMAX-scale VFX from Prime Focus for a global cinematic release.

Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is officially the most expensive Indian film ever made, with a staggering production budget exceeding £375 million (₹4,000 crore). Confirmed by producer Namit Malhotra, the two-part epic is being developed at nearly £400 million, placing it alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest projects in terms of scale and ambition.

The project, backed entirely by Malhotra’s team without outside investment, is being hailed as a landmark cultural and cinematic moment for India. With its use of cutting-edge technology, an international musical collaboration, and a cast of some of the country's biggest names, Ramayana is being positioned as a visual retelling of India’s most revered epic for global audiences.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dominic McLaughlin

Dominic McLaughlin spotted in full Hogwarts costume as filming begins in the UK

Instagram/hbomax

'Harry Potter' reboot series begins filming as HBO reveals first look at new cast

Highlights:

  • Dominic McLaughlin unveiled as the new Harry Potter as HBO’s TV reboot begins filming.
  • Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout confirmed as Hermione and Ron.
  • Series to release in 2027, one season per book over a decade-long plan.
  • John Lithgow, Paapa Essiedu, and Katherine Parkinson join the ensemble cast.

Production is officially underway for HBO’s long-awaited Harry Potter series, with the first image of 11-year-old Dominic McLaughlin in costume as the Boy Who Lived. The reboot marks a return to Hogwarts nearly 14 years after the final film in the original movie franchise wrapped, and it promises to revisit each of J.K. Rowling’s seven novels, with one season dedicated to each book.

 Child Fame Costs: HBO\u2019s New Young Harry Potter Reboot Stars The new trio cast as Harry, Hermione and Ron step into a world where childhood and fame rarely mix well  Instagram/harrypotter/Getty Images  

Keep ReadingShow less
Cancer didn’t break me, it awakened me: Manisha Koirala

Manisha Koirala at the event

Cancer didn’t break me, it awakened me: Manisha Koirala

Mahesh Liloriya

A poignant evening unfolded at The Chambers, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, where storytelling met soul-searching in an unforgettable conversation between Bollywood icon Manisha Koirala and creative visionary Manish Tiwari. Hosted by Here & Now 365, the event wasn't just a rendezvous of film lovers and cultural figures; it was a moment of collective pause, reflection, and renewed strength.

Actress, activist, and cancer survivor Manisha Koirala’s presence radiated both dignity and depth. Her journey, marked by painful valleys and soaring recoveries, became a guiding light for everyone in the room.

Keep ReadingShow less