'Was a guest': Manoj Bajpayee laments less screentime in 'Veer-Zaara'
Veteran actor Manoj Bajpayee recently opened up about his role in Yash Chopra's film, Veer-Zaara. In an interview with Radio Nasha, Bajpayee shared insights into his time on set, stating "I had a good experience working in Veer-Zaara." However, he added, "I know that it was a love story and more focus is given to the hero and heroine of the film, but to make my character look greyer, I think there should have been a few more scenes."
Bajpayee believes his character in 'Veer-Zaara' needed more depth
The Satya actor candidly added, "Because, eventually when you see it, his fiancé cheated on him. So I believe there should have been a scene where they should have showed that the character has been wronged completely." "There was just one scene where he speaks to the character of Shah Rukh, but I think there should have been another scene to justify the character." The film was headlined by Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta.
Bajpayee shared Chopra's reason for casting him in the film
Bajpayee also revealed why Chopra chose him for the role of Zaara's fiance. "He was quite honest to me about my role in his film." "He said, 'This is the role I have for you, I mostly make romantic films, but when I had to cast for this role, I could only think of you.' Yash ji had watched me in Pinjar and that's why he cast me for that role."
'I will cherish this forever': Bajpayee on the classic film
Despite his limited screen time, Bajpayee expressed gratitude toward Chopra and his team. "Yash Chopra gave me immense respect and so did his team. I was simply happy that someone like Yash Chopra directed me. I will cherish this forever," he said. He revealed that he only shot for the film for four days, three in Delhi and one in Amritsar, which made him feel more like a "guest" than a regular cast member.
