Veteran actor Manoj Bajpayee, fondly known by his nickname ‘Fortyfourwa’, has an inspiring journey from Bihar’s West Champaran to becoming a Padma Shri awardee. Born on April 23, 1969, in a farming family, his early education took place in a humble ‘hut school’. Later, he pursued his passion for acting by moving to Delhi at the age of 17.
**The Origin of ‘Fortyfourwa’**
Bajpayee’s unique nickname has an interesting backstory. During his 12th grade, a roll number, 44, became the object of his affection. Whenever the teacher called out ’44, present’, he would blush. His friends playfully teased him, morphing ’44’ into ‘Fortiforva’, which later evolved into ‘Fortyfourwa’.
**Facing Rejection: The NSD Struggle**
The path to stardom was fraught with challenges. Manoj Bajpayee faced rejection from the National School of Drama (NSD) not once, but three times. These repeated setbacks deeply impacted him, leading him to admit to having suicidal thoughts during that dark period. He felt like an outsider and worked hard to improve his Hindi and English. Fortunately, his friends provided unwavering support, even staying with him to ensure he wasn’t alone. While he wasn’t accepted as a student, his dedication eventually led to an offer to teach at NSD.
**From Mumbai Chawls to Bollywood Fame**
After his NSD ordeal, Bajpayee relocated to Mumbai, where he encountered further difficulties. He shared a small room in a chawl with five friends, struggled financially, and missed out on several acting roles. However, his perseverance paid off. Through theatre and minor roles, he gradually carved a niche for himself.
His pivotal role as the gangster Bhiku Mhatre in ‘Satya’ (1998) marked his major breakthrough. The critically acclaimed film cemented his status as a leading actor in Indian cinema.
**A Journey of Resilience and Recognition**
Over the years, Manoj Bajpayee has amassed a remarkable filmography and numerous accolades, including National Awards. His significant contributions to Indian cinema were recognized with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2019.
The stories behind nicknames like ‘Fortyfourwa’ serve as a powerful reminder of his humble beginnings and his incredible journey from a small village in Bihar to becoming a celebrated figure in the world of acting.
