Manoj Bajpayee received THIS advice from Vivian Richards during his struggling days at Mahesh Bhatt’s house

Manoj Bajpayee, known for his exceptional acting skills and adaptability, continues to enthrall audiences with his outstanding performances. Recently, he shared a memorable anecdote from his early struggles, recalling a significant encounter with former West Indies cricket legend Vivian Richards.

During a discussion with Ranveer Allahbadia, Manoj Bajpayee highlighted the extraordinary capacity of legends to acknowledge and honor the accomplishments of their counterparts. Recounting his initial encounter with Vivian Richards at Mahesh Bhatt's home, Bajpayee vividly remembered how the cricket icon, in return, lauded Sunil Gavaskar.



Manoj shared a memorable encounter with Vivian Richards at Mahesh Bhatt's residence, where he sought the cricket legend's autograph while pursuing opportunities in the film industry. Despite expressing admiration for Richards, Bajpayee affirmed his belief in Sunil Gavaskar's prowess. Richards, however, insisted that Gavaskar held the top spot.




The actor further recounted Vivian's insight, emphasizing how despite being a part of the world's finest team, Gavaskar's enduring career and remarkable achievements against top bowlers left a lasting impression. Bajpayee concluded that only a true legend like Richards could offer such high praise for another luminary.

During the 1980s, Bollywood actor Neena Gupta and cricketer Vivian Richards were romantically involved. Neena became pregnant with their daughter, Masaba Gupta, during this period. It's noteworthy that Richards was already married to someone else during their relationship.



Bajpayee made his acting debut portraying Man Singh in Shekhar Kapur's 'Bandit Queen', a role lauded for its depth and intensity. He quickly ascended to fame with remarkable performances in acclaimed films such as 'Satya', 'Shool', 'Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar', 'Zubeidaa', 'Aks', and 'Pinjar'. His portrayal in Raj and DK's espionage thriller series, 'The Family Man', further cemented his reputation as a versatile actor adored by audiences.











Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”