Veteran actor Manoj Bajpayee has spoken out about the severe emotional toll caused by the online backlash surrounding his film, which was originally titled Ghooskhor Pandat. Announced in February, the project drew immediate criticism from various organisations and politicians who labelled the title as both offensive and casteist. This public outcry eventually led the film's production team to change the title to Gajab Raat.
Reflecting on the turbulent period in a recent interview, Bajpayee explained that while his long career in the film industry has prepared him to handle personal professional criticism, the situation changed when his family became the target of online vitriol. The actor, known for his resilience against industry rejection and public scrutiny, admitted that he has developed a thick skin over the years. However, he noted that the experience was deeply troubling once it moved beyond his own career to involve his wife and daughter.
The controversy intensified as social media users began circulating photographs of his family, accompanying the images with disparaging remarks. Bajpayee expressed that this was the point where the situation became deeply hurtful, rather than just an extension of the usual critique he faces as an actor. He stated that while he is generally a happy and easy-going person, the need to protect his loved ones would typically prompt him to confront those responsible for such behavior.
However, the nature of these attacks made it impossible for the actor to address the situation directly. Bajpayee lamented the fact that the abuse was orchestrated by anonymous individuals, leaving him with no clear person to hold accountable. He described the feeling of helplessness that arose from being unable to confront the “nameless” trolls who were actively targeting his private life and his family’s safety.
The actor’s comments underscore a growing concern regarding the impact of faceless social media harassment on public figures and their families. While Bajpayee acknowledged that people who engage in such behavior may be driven by ignorance or a lack of life experience, the personal hurt caused by the incident remains significant. He emphasized that the situation tested his usual approach to managing public perception and conflict.
Following the controversy, the production moved forward under the new title, Gajab Raat. The film generated further buzz earlier this month with the release of its teaser, marking a new phase for the project following its initial production challenges. Directed by Ritesh Shah, the film finally saw its official release on Netflix, premiering on the platform on October 23.
As the film begins its run on the digital streaming service, the focus remains on its content following the long-standing shadow of the naming row. Bajpayee’s candid admission highlights the personal cost of navigating public controversies in an age of intense and often anonymous digital scrutiny. Despite the hardship, the actor has moved on from the episode, with the film having now reached its intended audience on the global stage.
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