Manoj Bajpayee reveals Ram Gopal Varma was looking for him for 5 years!

Manoj Bajpayee and Ram Gopal Varma have one of the most unique relationships. They are mentor-mentee today, but there was a time when they couldn't stand each other and now they are back to being close friends. In fact, even the beginning of their relationship wasn't exactly smooth.
It all started with Daud when RGV was casting for the film, and he wanted someone to play Paresh Rawal’s gang’s lead henchman.Manoj came to know about this and he went to meet RGV. During their meeting Manoj narrated that he worked with Mahesh Bhatt and was also part of Bandit Queen and played the role of Maan Singh. Turns out RGV was a big fan of the film and had seen the film multiple times. RGV couldn't believe that it was Manoj who played the role of Maan Singh as he felt the actor must have been older and not good looking. He then told Manoj that he's been looking for him for the past 5 years as he has a script for him in the lead.
After the completion of Daud, RGV finalised the script for Satya and when Manoj received a call, he was offered the role of the second guy instead of the lead role, which deeply saddened him. He then went to meet RGV at his place where the filmmaker explained to him that for the role of Bhiku Mhatre, he needed someone with great personality and great presence. Manoj took up the role and as they say, the rest is history.