As the nation celebrates Guru Purnima, a day dedicated to honoring teachers and mentors, acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee took a moment to express his gratitude towards his acting guru, Barry John. On this special occasion, he acknowledged the significant role John played in shaping his career and personal growth.
Manoj Bajpayee credits Barry John for instilling positive traits in him and guiding him through the complexities of acting. While many are aware of Bajpayee’s tenure as a teacher at the National School of Drama in New Delhi, only a few know that his foundational training began under John at the Theatre Action Group (TAG) in Delhi.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Manoj Bajpayee stated, “Whatever I am today, and whatever I have accomplished over the years, the person I have shaped into, it is all because of Barry. The flaws are my own, but all the personality advantages and positive traits are learned from Barry’s teachings—his way of living.”
Bajpayee’s admiration for John is evident as he recalls the invaluable lessons he learned during his formative years. “No hour should be wasted; every hour should be utilized creatively and consciously. This has been my biggest learning from him,” Bajpayee shared. He further noted that John taught him to approach life and acting without ego or the burden of past accomplishments, allowing for a more authentic and grounded presence in his work.
Despite the passage of time, Bajpayee remains closely connected to John, who has continued to inspire countless actors through his teachings. John, now 80, moved to Mumbai in 2007 and established the Barry John Acting Studio, where he has nurtured a new generation of talent. Bajpayee fondly remembers his mentor, saying, “He has taught me so much about all aspects of life and theater. When you meet him now in Bombay, though he is not well, I still see him as the same young, dashing, good-looking man—so learned, so hardworking, so well-read, and so well-informed.”
Bajpayee’s journey in Bollywood serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring actors. As he reflects on his career, Bajpayee acknowledges the profound impact that John has had on his life, stating, “It has been an incredible stroke of luck that God gifted me Barry when I was very young and searching for direction. He gave me that direction.”
Manoj Bajpayee was recently seen in ‘Bhaiyya Ji,’ which was the 100th film of his career and was directed by Apoorv Singh Karki. Additionally, fans can look forward to the confirmed third season of ‘The Family Man,’ the popular web series in which Bajpayee plays the lead role of Srikant Tiwari.
