Manoj Bajpayee Jokes That Anurag Kashyap Is Jealous of His Looks and Discipline

Actor Manoj Bajpayee, one of India’s most widely respected performers, has always balanced intensity on screen with humility and humour off it. Recently, the Family Man star sparked a wave of laughter online after making a playful comment about filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, joking that the director is “jealous” of his looks and disciplined lifestyle. The lighthearted remark has gone viral, showcasing once again the warm, no-filter friendship the two share.

While speaking at a public interaction, Bajpayee was asked about his approach to fitness and his ever-youthful energy. In his signature witty style, the actor quickly turned the discussion into a friendly roast of Anurag Kashyap. “I wake up at 5 a.m. every day, I follow discipline, I take care of myself… and Anurag only eats mutton. So obviously he’s jealous of my looks,” he said, triggering a roar of laughter from the audience.

The comment, though humorous, also reflects the contrast in the personalities of the two collaborators who have known each other for over 25 years. Their association began with Ram Gopal Varma’s cult classic Satya (1998), where Kashyap was one of the writers and Bajpayee delivered the unforgettable performance of Bhiku Mhatre. The film not only defined their careers but also cemented a lifelong friendship marked by honesty, trust, and plenty of teasing.

Bajpayee elaborated that while he now follows a strict wellness routine early mornings, consistent workouts, meditation, and measured diet Kashyap functions on a completely different wavelength. “Anurag will sit and write for hours, then get up and eat mutton, and then eat again. That’s his schedule!” he joked, adding that the director’s unpredictable lifestyle is the opposite of his own disciplined rhythm.

However, behind the humour lies genuine admiration. Bajpayee acknowledged Kashyap as one of the boldest voices in Indian cinema, praising his fearlessness, originality, and dedication to craft. Their professional respect runs deep, even as they frequently poke fun at each other in public.

The actor also spoke about how health became a priority for him only later in life. Earlier in his career, he admitted, he often neglected sleep, diet, and exercise while juggling intense roles and nonstop schedules. But with time, he realized that physical wellbeing directly influences emotional stability and artistic performance. “I want to be fit not just for films but for my own happiness and longevity,” he said.

Fans have warmly embraced the viral clip of Bajpayee’s remarks, calling it one of the funniest exchanges between two industry veterans. Many said the banter reminded them of the candid, unfiltered conversations that rarely make their way into mainstream Bollywood interviews today. The internet also responded with memes celebrating the contrast between Kashyap’s love for food and Bajpayee’s early-morning discipline.

For both artists, humour has always been a coping mechanism amid the pressures of filmmaking. Their bond reflects the healthier side of Bollywood friendships untouched by insecurity, ego, or competition. Instead, it thrives on authenticity, shared history, and the freedom to tease each other openly.

Manoj Bajpayee’s comment may have begun as a joke, but it also underlines something real: behind every powerful performance and successful career lies discipline, self-awareness, and the ability to laugh at life—and at friends who "only eat mutton."