He has proven his versatility time and again but actor Manoj Bajpayee, who has been a part of the Hindi film industry for around 20 years, says showbiz has not utilised even 20 per cent of his potential. “I have no resentment towards the industry but at the same time I would say the industry has not utilised even 20 per cent of my potential. I like to work with like-minded people and right now I am enjoying what I am doing. I am in a very happy space,” said Manoj. The 44-year-old’s career got a boost post the 1998 film “Satya” which brought him commercial success as well as a national award. Later, he featured in movies like “”Kaun?”, “Shool”, “Zubeidaa” and “Pinjar”.

His next film “Satyagraha”, directed by Prakash Jha, releases Friday. Meanwhile, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma who had directed “Satya” is now set to make “Satya 2”. Manoj, who had played the iconic role of a gangster named Bheeku Matre, believes the sequel will help RGV bounce back. “I met him at his daughter’s pre-wedding bash but we didn’t talk films. He will make a fantastic film with ‘Satya 2’. I am simply blinded by his genius and I am what I am because of him,” said Manoj.

Of late, none of RGV’s films have done well at the box office. But Manoj has “no reason to doubt his capability”. “I know he is going through a lean phase but everybody sees that phase. Don’t single him out. He will bounce back and surprise you and then you will have to eat your own words! He is going to come back,” added Manoj.