Manoj Bajpayee is one of India’s most respected actors, celebrated for his versatility and ability to portray complex characters. With a career spanning over three decades, he has worked in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil films, as well as web series. His journey from a small village in Bihar to becoming a National Award-winning actor is a story of perseverance and talent. He will be next seen in season 3 of The Family Man. This article covers the biography of Manoj Bajpayee.
Manoj Bajpayee Biography Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Manoj Bajpayee |
| Date of Birth | 23 April 1969 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 56 years |
| Birthplace | Belwa Village, West Champaran, Bihar |
| Education | BA in History (Hons.), Delhi University |
| Profession | Actor, Producer |
| Film Debut | Bandit Queen (1994) |
| Breakthrough Role | Satya (1998) |
| Notable Works | Satya, Shool, Gangs of Wasseypur, Aligarh, The Family Man |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | 70 kg (approx.) |
| Body Measurements | Chest 40 – Waist 32 – Biceps 14 inches |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Shabana Raza (Neha) |
| Children | Daughter – Ava Nayla |
| Net Worth (2025) | ₹125 Crore (approx.) |
| Hobbies | Reading, Traveling, Theatre |
Early Life and Education
| Aspect | Details |
| Full Name | Manoj Bajpayee |
| Date of Birth | 23 April 1969 |
| Birthplace | Belwa village, West Champaran, Bihar, India |
| Family Background | Born into a modest farming family |
| Father | Radhakant Bajpayee (Farmer) |
| Mother | Homemaker |
| Early Education | “Hut school” in his village |
| Secondary Education | Khrist Raja High School, Bettiah |
| Higher Education | Bachelor of Arts in History (Hons.) from Ramjas College, Delhi University |
| Drama School Attempts | Applied to the National School of Drama (NSD) multiple times (rejected) |
| Acting Training | Accepted into Barry John’s acting workshop, which shaped his career |
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Career Highlights
- Film Debut: Bandit Queen (1994) as dacoit Maan Singh.
- Breakthrough Role: Satya (1998), where his portrayal of Bhiku Mhatre earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.
- Other notable films include:
- Shool (1999)
- Pinjar (2003)
- Raajneeti (2010)
- Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)
- Aligarh (2016)
- Bhonsle (2018)
- Web Series: The Family Man (Amazon Prime Video) as Srikant Tiwari, which became a massive success.
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Awards
- National Film Awards:
- Best Supporting Actor (Satya, 1999)
- Special Jury Award (Pinjar, 2004)
- Best Actor (Bhonsle, 2021)
- Filmfare Awards: Multiple wins and nominations.
- Padma Shri (2019): India’s fourth-highest civilian award for his contribution to arts.
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Personal Life
Manoj Bajpayee married actress Shabana Raza (popularly known as Neha, who debuted in Kareeb opposite Bobby Deol) in 2006. The couple has a daughter named Ava Nayla.
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Family
Manoj Bajpayee comes from a humble farming family in Bihar and has often spoken about his modest upbringing and the values instilled in him by his parents. Despite his success, he remains deeply connected to his roots.
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Parents & Siblings
- Father: Radhakant Bajpayee – Farmer
- Mother: Homemaker (name not widely publicized)
- Siblings: Manoj is the second of six children. He grew up in a large family in Belwa village, West Champaran, Bihar.
Wife
Shabana Raza (formerly known as Neha) – Actress, best remembered for her Bollywood debut in Kareeb (1998). Manoj and Shabana married in 2006.
Daughter
Ava Nayla – The couple’s only child, born after their marriage. Manoj and Shabana keep her away from media attention to maintain privacy.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2025, Manoj Bajpayee’s net worth is estimated at around ₹125 crore, earned through films, web series, endorsements, and production ventures.
He leads a grounded lifestyle, often emphasizing simplicity despite his success. He is admired for his dedication to craft rather than stardom.
Facts/Trivia
- Manoj was named after legendary actor Manoj Kumar.
- He was rejected three times by NSD before joining Barry John’s acting workshop.
- He is known as the “method actor” of Bollywood.
- Despite his fame, he avoids the limelight and prefers a private lifestyle.
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FAQs about Manoj Bajpayee
Q1. How old is Manoj Bajpayee in 2025?
He is 56 years old, born on 23 April 1969.
Q2. What was his debut film?
His debut was Bandit Queen (1994).
Q3. Which role made him famous?
His role as Bhiku Mhatre in Satya (1998).
Q4. Is Manoj Bajpayee married?
Yes, he married actress Shabana Raza (Neha) in 2006.
Q5. What is his net worth?
His estimated net worth in 2025 is around ₹120–130 crore.
Q6. What are his physical stats?
He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 70 kg, with measurements around 40-32-14 inches.
Q7. What are his hobbies?
He enjoys reading, traveling, and theatre.