Bollywood Hungama

Manoj Bajpayee says it is very difficult to be a masterji in today's times; opens up on his character in Last Man In Tower

Manoj Bajpayee has opened up about the challenges of portraying Masterji in Last Man In Tower, revealing how the characters unwavering principles differ from the pragmatism required to navigate the world today. The actor, who plays a man deeply rooted in his values and convictions in the Ben Rekhi directorial, believes that maintaining such an uncompromising stance has become increasingly difficult in the present environment. Speaking about his character, Manoj highlighted the contrast between Masterjis approach to life and his own understanding of navigating todays competitive world. He said, Masterji is a very principled person, and I think it is very difficult to be someone like him in today's time. I cannot even imagine being as uncompromising as he is because the world I operate in is very different. Today, we live in an extremely competitive environment where we have to be intelligently principled and stubborn about what we want. Having said that, I do share certain similarities with Masterji. I have my own set of values, ethics, and truths that I refuse to compromise on. However, navigating today's world requires a certain amount of pragmatism. Masterji, on the other hand, represents a rare kind of conviction, where his principles remain non-negotiable, irrespective of the circumstances. The role required Manoj to explore a character whose strength is reflected not only through his actions but also through his silences and convictions. Masterjis emotional depth, dignity and vulnerability make him a layered figure, with the actor drawing attention to the difficulty of sustaining the kind of moral certainty that defines him. For Manoj, who has portrayed a wide range of characters throughout his career, the role also presented an opportunity to approach a personality whose values are tested by the circumstances around him. Based on Aravind Adigas acclaimed novel of the same name, Last Man In Tower explores the emotional significance of home, the fragility of community and the difficult choices that emerge when individual convictions clash with collective aspirations. Set against the backdrop of Mumbais redevelopment landscape, the film examines middle-class aspirations and the complexities of human behaviour. Directed by Ben Rekhi and produced by Rana Daggubatis Spirit Media, the film also stars Boman Irani and Divya Dutta alongside Manoj Bajpayee. Following its theatrical release, Last Man In Tower is now reaching a wider audience and is streaming exclusively on Hindi Zee5. Also Read: Manoj Bajpayee calls his Last Man in Tower character Masterji stubborn and selfish, raises concerns over the cost of development: We have gone very far, almost to a point of no return