You have known Manoj Bajpayee for long. But how and when did the idea of writing his biography strike you?
This idea had been floating in my head for ages. Actually, knowing his story and the struggles that he has survived, made me want to tell his story in a chronological manner by talking to the people who’ve played a part in his life. Then, one day in 2020, I was lunching at a restaurant with my family and we talked about one of Manoj’s films. That’s when the idea of the biography hit me. I called him right away.

Was it tough to get him to open up?
It wasn’t. I’ve known him for many years. In fact, I launched a blogging platform in 2008, and he used to write on it. I was the one who typed out his blog posts back then. During that period, I learned a lot about him, both personally and professionally. And, we kept in touch and discussed various issues. As a journalist, I’ve interviewed him often. I told him to put me in touch with his parents and siblings, and I’d take care of the rest.