Manoj Bajpayee reveals Yash Chopra ‘paid me what I charged as a lead actor’ for cameo in Veer Zaara
Manoj Bajpayee Unveils Yash Chopra's Surprising Payment for Cameo in Veer Zaara
Manoj Bajpayee reveals Yash Chopra paid - Before establishing himself as a respected figure in Indian cinema, Manoj Bajpayee made several tough career decisions that defined his path. Appearing on Shekhar Suman’s talk show Shekhar Tonite, the actor reflected on the years following his breakthrough in *Satya*, when he rejected high-paying offers that didn’t align with his artistic vision. During the candid discussion, he shared a memorable story about working with the legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra on *Veer Zaara* and revealed the unexpected fee he received for his brief yet impactful role in the film.
Manoj explained that after *Satya*’s success, he turned down multiple film proposals because the roles offered were predominantly villainous. He preferred creative opportunities that challenged him, even if they came with smaller paychecks. Despite financial hurdles, he remained steadfast in his choices, believing that staying true to his instincts helped forge the career he now cherishes.
Discussing *Veer Zaara*, Manoj recounted how Yash Chopra approached him with a cameo request.
"After watching *Pinjar*, I felt that you are the only one who could pull off this role,"
he recalled Chopra saying. Manoj had initially wanted to be directed by the filmmaker, so he asked for just the story and character details in a single line. Instead, Chopra delivered the entire scene’s narrative, which left the actor impressed.
Manoj also shared a humorous moment from the shoot.
"I told Yash ji, 'The next time you think of me, please give me a bigger role.' He replied very clearly, 'Son, I don't really make films for actors like you. And even if there are roles for you in my films, you probably won't do them. So just do this one properly and do it well.'"
He appreciated Chopra’s honesty and even offered to work for free, though the filmmaker insisted on paying the same as a lead actor’s fee.
Cast of Veer Zaara
Directed by Yash Chopra, the romantic drama featured Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Rani Mukerji in lead roles, alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Divya Dutta, Manoj Bajpayee, Boman Irani, Anupam Kher, and Kirron Kher in supporting roles. The film became a significant box-office hit and earned the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
About the Author
Riya Sharma, a content producer at Hindustan Times, is deeply immersed in the world of entertainment. Whether it's Bollywood gossip or a reality show moment trending online, she’s often the first to report on it. Her passion for uncovering compelling stories and translating them into engaging content drives her work.
A journalism graduate from IP University, Riya began her career as a social media executive, mastering the art of capturing attention in a fast-scrolling digital landscape. Her love for showbiz eventually led her into entertainment journalism, where she thrives on the thrill of storytelling, whether it’s through films, reality shows, or celebrity interviews.
As an artist at heart, Riya’s affinity for acting, music, and dance shapes her perspective on the industry. She enjoys dissecting both cinematic and televised content, analyzing what resonates most with audiences. When not writing, she’s either binge-watching new web series, hunting for underrated thrillers on OTT platforms, or revisiting iconic Bollywood scenes with fresh eyes.