Manoj Bajpai is a a critically acclaimed Hindi film actor. Best known for playing offbeat and unconventional roles, he first shot into fame with his breakthrough role on Ram Gopal Varma's 1997 film, Satya as the gangster, Bhiku Mhatre.

Manoj was born in Belwa a small village in West Champaran, Bihar. He completed his basic education from K R High School, Bettiah. He went to Ramjas College, University of Delhi for pursuing Graduation.

He grew up as a film lover and was always a patron of the art of acting. His journey in to the world of theatre set him on the back foot when he was rejected thrice by the National School of Drama in New Delhi, but the rejection only made him strive harder. The simple farmer’s son from Bihar did theatre with Barry John and the likes in Delhi for a long time. His die hard spirit made Manoj achieve his ultimate goal.

Manoj started his career with a Television Serial aired on Doordarshan, Swaabhimaan. The same serial also brought Tyagi-Ashutosh Rana and Rishab-Rohit Roy into limelight.

He appeared in several small roles in films like Droh Kaal (1994), and Bandit Queen (1994), before getting a big break in 1998 film Satya directed by Ram Gopal Varma. His performance as Bhiku Mhatre, won him several awards, as he portrayed the hotheaded and compassionate sides of this small-time gangster, with equal panache. Another important film where he played a dark character was Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's film Aks in 2001, for which again he won many awards.

His work was also appreciated in films like, Zubeidaa (2001), Pinjar (2003) for which he won the National Film Award and Veer Zaara in 2004.

 Despite being one of the most talented and critically acclaimed actors in India, Manoj has not been able to enjoy much commercial success.

Manoj was married to a girl from Bihar whom he left after two months and came to Mumbai. He later got married to Neha, a Bollywood actress who worked in movies like Kareeb and Fiza.