The Mumbai premiere of Jugnuma turned into a night filled with warmth, humor, and mutual respect when three celebrated artists—Anurag Kashyap, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Vijay Varma—paid a playful yet heartfelt tribute to Manoj Bajpayee. The trio touched the veteran actor’s feet on stage, leaving him in splits and giving fans a rare glimpse of camaraderie within Bollywood.
Videos from the evening quickly went viral, with audiences applauding the lighthearted moment that celebrated genuine talent and friendship. But beyond the laughter, this event showcased the deep admiration today’s generation of filmmakers and actors hold for Manoj Bajpayee, one of Indian cinema’s most versatile performers.
Manoj Bajpayee Honored in a Fun Way
When Manoj Bajpayee walked onto the stage at the grand premiere of Jugnuma, he was greeted not only with applause but also with an unexpected gesture. Vijay Varma approached him first, embracing him warmly. Jaideep Ahlawat, known for his intense screen presence, suddenly bent down to touch Manoj’s feet. The move made Bajpayee burst into laughter, but the sequence didn’t stop there.
Next, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap joined in, bowing dramatically and almost pressing his head to Manoj’s feet. Vijay Varma added to the fun by clinging onto one of Bajpayee’s legs, leaving the senior actor struggling to break free while laughing uncontrollably. The three then stood up, hugging Manoj tightly as the crowd cheered.
The viral clip captured not just a humorous moment, but also the immense respect Bollywood’s current stars hold for a man who has been a guiding force in redefining Indian cinema.
Fans React: “This Is Non-Cringe, Genuine Fun”
Social media was flooded with reactions once the videos surfaced. Many fans praised the actors for showing respect in such a lighthearted way, without turning the moment into forced drama.
- One fan commented: “Sab ke sab pure talent wale hain (All of them are pure talent).”
- Another wrote: “All great actors … we need to promote them … and only watch their movies.”
- A user noted: “The original real Gangs of Wasseypur boys.”
- One Instagram user said: “It’s the first time I’ve seen genuine, non-cringe, funny, beautiful stuff from Bollywood.”
- Another added: “These are the true talents … grown with dust and sweat, spreading happiness.”
The wholesome interaction stood out for its authenticity at a time when fans often complain about superficial gestures in Bollywood.
The Fashion and Styling of the Night
The premiere wasn’t just about cinema—it also showcased the stylish avatars of the actors:
- Manoj Bajpayee: Opted for a vibrant, colorful shirt layered with a brown jacket and matching trousers. His effortless style reflected both comfort and maturity.
- Jaideep Ahlawat & Vijay Varma: The duo twinned in casual black shirts paired with blue denims, exuding a cool, grounded charm.
- Anurag Kashyap: The filmmaker stood out in a striped shirt and olive-green pants, keeping it laid-back and approachable.
The styling choices highlighted how the event blended glamour with grounded personalities, much like the film itself.
The Legacy of Manoj Bajpayee
To understand why such gestures carry weight, one must look at Manoj Bajpayee’s journey. Starting his career with small roles, he became a household name after Satya (1998), which redefined crime cinema in India. Since then, Bajpayee has been part of iconic projects such as Shool, Gangs of Wasseypur, Aligarh, The Family Man, and many more.
Unlike mainstream stars, Bajpayee carved a niche with powerful, layered performances that often brought realism to Indian cinema. His career stands as proof that talent, persistence, and authenticity can triumph over industry favoritism.
No wonder actors like Jaideep Ahlawat (Paatal Lok), Vijay Varma (Darlings), and directors like Anurag Kashyap (Gangs of Wasseypur) view him as an inspiration and mentor.
Spotlight on Jugnuma (The Fable)
The evening wasn’t just about laughter—it was about the highly anticipated film Jugnuma. Directed by Raam Reddy, this cinematic tale promises a mix of mystery, human emotion, and the beauty of the Himalayas.
Plot Overview
Set in the late 1980s, the film follows Dev (played by Manoj Bajpayee), who owns vast fruit orchards in the Indian Himalayas. His peaceful life is disrupted when he discovers mysteriously burnt trees across his estate. Despite efforts to stop the fires, more continue to break out, forcing Dev to confront hidden truths about his family and himself.
The story combines elements of suspense, family drama, and environmental undertones, making it one of the most unique films in recent memory.
Supporting Cast
Jugnuma features a strong ensemble cast:
- Tillotama Shome
- Deepak Dobriyal
- Priyanka Bose
- Awan Pookot
- Hiral Sidhu
Each of these actors is known for bringing depth to their roles, further raising expectations for the film.
Release Details
The film will hit theaters nationwide on September 12, presented by Guneet Monga and Anurag Kashyap—two names synonymous with groundbreaking cinema.
Why This Moment Resonates with Bollywood Fans
The entertainment industry often faces criticism for being dominated by nepotism, formulaic films, and superficial promotions. But the viral moment between Manoj Bajpayee, Anurag Kashyap, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Vijay Varma broke through the noise for several reasons:
- Authenticity – Nothing about the gesture felt staged; it was spontaneous and real.
- Generational Bond – It showed how new-age actors and directors respect senior performers.
- Talent Over Stardom – Each of the individuals involved has built their reputation on merit and raw acting ability.
- Celebration of Cinema – The moment was a reminder of how films bring people together, not just for glamour but for shared laughter and admiration.
Anurag Kashyap and Manoj Bajpayee: A Bond Through Cinema
Anurag Kashyap and Manoj Bajpayee share a long professional history. From Satya to Gangs of Wasseypur, their collaborations have often resulted in path-breaking cinema. Kashyap, who has built his brand on bold storytelling, has never shied away from calling Manoj one of the greatest actors of our generation.
The playful act of touching his feet at Jugnuma’s premiere wasn’t just comic relief—it was also a symbolic nod to their journey together in changing the face of Indian films.
Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma: The Torchbearers of New-Age Talent
Both Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma represent the rise of unconventional actors in Bollywood. With no filmy background, they carved a path through sheer skill:
- Jaideep Ahlawat became a sensation with Paatal Lok and has since proven his mettle in films and OTT projects.
- Vijay Varma impressed audiences in Pink, Gully Boy, and Darlings, and is now one of the most promising actors of his generation.
By showing respect to Manoj Bajpayee, they symbolically acknowledged the trail he blazed for outsiders in Bollywood.
The Cultural Significance of Touching Feet
In Indian tradition, touching someone’s feet is a gesture of respect, usually offered to elders or mentors. While the act at Jugnuma’s premiere was done with humor, it also carried cultural weight. It signaled acknowledgment of Manoj Bajpayee’s seniority and his role as a guiding figure in their artistic journeys.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
The Jugnuma premiere will be remembered not only for launching a promising film but also for giving fans a moment of authenticity. Manoj Bajpayee’s laughter, Jaideep Ahlawat’s spontaneous respect, Vijay Varma’s playful spirit, and Anurag Kashyap’s dramatic bow all combined to create one of the most genuine Bollywood moments in recent years.
As fans eagerly await Jugnuma’s release, the event has already cemented itself as proof that Bollywood still has room for sincerity, humor, and above all, respect for true talent.