The man behind the legendary nickname ‘Fortyfourwa’ is none other than veteran actor Manoj Bajpayee, a true testament to perseverance. Born in Bihar’s West Champaran on April 23, 1969, Bajpayee’s early life was rooted in a farming community. His initial education took place in modest conditions, and he later pursued acting aspirations by moving to Delhi at 17.
The ‘Fortyfourwa’ moniker originated from a quirky incident in his 12th grade. Bajpayee harbored a unique crush, not on a person, but on his roll number: 44. Whenever the teacher called out ’44, present,’ he’d reportedly blush, leading friends to playfully dub him ‘Fortiforva,’ a variation of the number.
Bajpayee’s path to cinematic glory was fraught with challenges. He faced repeated rejections from the National School of Drama, failing to gain admission three times. These setbacks led to severe depression, with the actor even admitting to suicidal thoughts. Feeling like an outsider, he dedicated himself to learning English and Hindi, seeking to better integrate. Fortunately, his unwavering dedication eventually earned him a teaching position at NSD.
Relocating to Mumbai, Bajpayee encountered further struggles, including cramped living spaces and a scarcity of acting roles. Yet, he persevered through theatre and minor parts, gradually carving his niche. His defining moment arrived with the 1998 film ‘Satya,’ where his portrayal of gangster Bhiku Mhatre garnered widespread critical acclaim and cemented his status.
Today, Manoj Bajpayee is a celebrated figure, recognized with numerous national awards and the prestigious Padma Shri in 2019. His journey from the humble beginnings in Bihar, symbolized by the ‘Fortyfourwa’ nickname, to national acclaim is an inspiring narrative of talent and resilience.