Renowned actor Manoj Bajpayee, known for his ability to disappear into any role, recently shared why playing characters from the national capital holds a special place in his heart. Speaking at a major Netflix event in Mumbai this week, Bajpayee opened up about his upcoming film, Ghooskhor Pandat, where he portrays a morally compromised Delhi police officer.
The versatile actor, who has often been praised for bringing authenticity to middle-class and “common man” roles, explained that his bond with Delhi goes back to his formative years. Bajpayee moved to the city at the age of 18, where he spent nearly a decade studying at Delhi University and honing his craft in the local theatre circuit before his big break in Bandit Queen.
A Story Rooted in Personal History
For Bajpayee, filming in Delhi isn’t just about the location; it’s about a world he lived and breathed. During the event, he mentioned
“This is a story of such a place where I have spent many years of my life. I did theatre there, I did my graduation there. So, in my life, any film which is set in Delhi, I enjoy it a lot. I saw Delhi first as an outsider, and that perspective has never left me.”
He credited the film’s director, Ritesh Shah, for creating a “colorful and magnificent” character that captures the unique grit and spirit of the city. In the film, he plays Ajay Dixit, an inspector who has remained at the same rank for twenty years due to a questionable track record—a character Bajpayee describes as being “on the wrong side of the law” but incredibly human.
The New Project: Ghooskhor Pandat
The upcoming thriller is set over the course of a single, chaotic night in Delhi. The plot follows Dixit as his plans for a “money-making night” are upended when he witnesses a young girl being thrown from a moving car, pulling him into a massive global conspiracy.
The film features a strong ensemble cast, including: Nushrratt Bharuccha, Saqib Saleem, Divya Dutta and Akshay Oberoi.
Balancing Success and Controversy
While the film is highly anticipated following Bajpayee’s successful 2025 run with The Family Man Season 3 and Inspector Zende, it has already sparked some conversation online. Shortly after the teaser was released, the title Ghooskhor Pandat (meaning “Bribe-taking Pundit”) faced criticism from some social media users who found the name offensive to a specific community.
Despite the online chatter, the focus remains on Bajpayee’s performance. For an actor who prides himself on being an “observer of life,” returning to the streets of Delhi represents a full-circle moment in a career that has always prioritized realism over stardom. To know such latest updates tuned tellyboosters.com Thank you!
