Hansal Mehta recalls working with Manoj Bajpayee: He has major mood swings

Director Hansal Mehta has admitted facing a tough time working with actor Manoj Bajpayee, in the past. The two had earlier collaborated on the 2000 comedy drama, 'Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar!!' Mehta revealed that Bajpayee dismisses any discussion about the issue, attributing his behaviour to youth. The director shared anecdotes from his experience collaborating with Bajpayee, during a year-end roundtable with Cinema Express.

Mehta explained his preference for working with those he shares a rapport with and emphasized that an actor doesn't need to be excessively expressive to impress him. Reflecting on his past association with Bajpayee, Mehta said, “Manoj has significant mood swings. His attitude during the filming of Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar!! in 2000 was challenging."

The director, now close friends with Bajpayee, reassured, "He's fundamentally a nice guy. He's not malevolent. That's the message you receive.” Mehta also spoke about his irritations when working with Bajpayee, often questioning the actor’s unpredictable behaviour.

Anurag Kashyap and casting director Mukesh Chhabra had suggested Bajpayee for the lead role, with whom Mehta has undertaken six projects. Meanwhile, the director is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film, 'The Buckingham Murders', starring .

Speaking about leading lady, Mehta said, "Working with her was delightful. She's an exceptional talent.” The noir thriller features Kapoor in the role of a cop, presenting a blend of popular and gritty cinema. He teased about portraying a new side of Kapoor in the film, adding, "We had an enjoyable shoot. I share the same bond with her as I do with Rajkummar, Pratik, Mohammed Zeeshan [Ayyub], and Karishma [Tanna],” according to an interview with Mid day.