Manoj Bajpayee Slams Bollywood’s PR Gimmicks: Says ‘Best Actor’ & ‘National Crush’ Tags Belittle Real Talent

While promoting Jugnuma: The Fable, the veteran actor expressed frustration over how marketing labels overshadow years of dedication by trained performers, sparking speculation his comments were aimed at Rashmika Mandanna’s popular tag.

Veteran actor Manoj Bajpayee has once again sparked debate in Bollywood by criticizing the growing influence of PR machinery in shaping public perception. Known for being outspoken, Bajpayee shared his disappointment that hard-earned performances by seasoned actors often go unnoticed while younger stars suddenly receive titles like “Best Actor” or “National Crush” through orchestrated publicity campaigns.

In an interview with Humans of Cinema, Bajpayee revealed that even after delivering powerful performances, recognition is often hijacked by flashy tags bestowed on others. He called this trend “humiliating” for actors like himself and Piyush Mishra, who have dedicated years to their craft.

Bajpayee remarked that one day, after giving his best to a role, he sees someone else suddenly trending as “Best Actor,” and a few months later, yet another “Best Actor” or “National Crush” appears. According to him, the entire culture of recognition in Bollywood has changed.

Although Bajpayee did not directly name anyone, many netizens felt his “National Crush” remark was a veiled reference to Rashmika Mandanna, who is popularly associated with the title.

Bajpayee is currently promoting Jugnuma: The Fable, which released on September 12, 2025. Directed by Raam Reddy, the film tells the story of Dev, a man living in the Himalayas whose life unravels when mysterious fires spread through his orchards, forcing him to confront dark truths about his family. The movie blends magical realism with environmental and societal themes, and Bajpayee’s performance has been widely praised.

Alongside this, he will soon return in the much-awaited The Family Man Season 3. After nearly four years, the series is set to continue with a new mission, where Srikant Tiwari faces the challenge of a pandemic-linked security threat connected to China and India’s North-Eastern states.