Delhi's Soul and Dark Nights: Manoj Bajpayee on 'Gajab Raat'
Actor Manoj Bajpayee discusses his love for Delhi's culture and Divya Dutta's surprise role in the crime thriller Gajab Raat.
Veteran actor Manoj Bajpayee has always had a special connection with the national capital, and he is finally bringing that passion to the screen. In his upcoming crime thriller Gajab Raat, the actor delves into the gritty atmosphere of Delhi, a city that shaped his early years and artistic sensibilities.
A Long-Standing Desire for a Delhi Story
Speaking about his motivation for the project, Manoj Bajpayee revealed that he had a strong desire to do a film set in Delhi. This wish stems from his personal history; he moved to the city at the age of 18 to pursue his college education and immerse himself in the world of theatre. He describes those years as some of the best of his life.
For the actor, Delhi is not just a location but a character in itself. He highlighted the unique linguistic blend of the city, noting how the local Hindi is a flavorful mix of influences from Punjabi, Haryanvi, and Western Uttar Pradesh cultures. According to Bajpayee, this "quirkiness" and specific tone are vividly reflected in the way the Delhi police speak and carry themselves—an element that plays a crucial role in the film.
The Plot of 'Gajab Raat'
Produced by Neeraj Pandey’s Friday Film Works and directed by Ritesh Shah, Gajab Raat promises to be a high-tension ride. The story centers around a police officer whose life takes a dramatic and unexpected turn during a single night. The catalyst for the chaos occurs when he witnesses a severely injured girl being abandoned from a moving car on the streets of Delhi.
The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including:
- Manoj Bajpayee
- Divya Dutta
- Saqib Saleem
- Akshay Oberoi
- Nushrratt Bharuccha
- Kiku Sharda
Divya Dutta's Secret Avatar
While the trailer provides a glimpse into the mystery, Manoj Bajpayee teased that the makers are intentionally keeping the details of Divya Dutta's character under wraps. He described her role as "smart" and complex, suggesting that she has a lot happening beneath the surface.
“Her character is amazing, and we have kept a lot of it hidden in the trailer. We want the audience to discover her character for themselves and talk about it after watching the film,” Manoj shared.
He further added that Dutta will be seen in a completely new avatar, unlike anything audiences have witnessed from her previously, and her presence will bring a significant surprise to the unfolding events of that fateful night.
Gajab Raat is scheduled to begin streaming on Netflix from October 23.