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Veteran actor Manoj Bajpayee recently shared a humorous memory from his theatre days, recalling how fellow actors Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Vijay Raaz once played the role of trees in a stage production long before achieving success in Hindi cinema.
Speaking during an interview with Fever FM, Manoj reflected on the struggles and unusual experiences that aspiring actors often faced in the theatre circuit. He remembered a large-scale theatrical production in which Nawazuddin and Vijay had approached the director in hopes of securing acting roles.
According to Manoj, the director asked the two newcomers about their backgrounds and their interest in acting. However, since all the major roles had already been assigned, there was little left for them to do. Looking for a practical solution, the director reportedly decided that the pair could portray trees on stage, as the production required several of them.
Manoj joked that both actors spent hours standing motionless as trees during rehearsals and performances. He recalled that the experience became a memorable part of their early journey in the performing arts world. Adding to the laughter, Manoj remarked that Nawazuddin was jokingly considered a “panauti” or unlucky charm for the director because a few productions faced difficulties after his involvement.
The anecdote offered a glimpse into the humble beginnings of three actors who later became known for their remarkable performances and versatility. Today, Bajpayee, Siddiqui and Raaz are widely respected figures in Indian cinema, making the story a reminder that even the biggest stars often start with the smallest roles
