Actor Manoj Bajpayee has opened up about the intense online backlash surrounding his recent Netflix project, revealing that the controversy turned personal when anonymous users targeted his family with threatening messages and photographs.
The film, directed by Ritesh Shah, was initially announced in February under the title Ghooskhor Pandat. The original name drew immediate criticism from various groups who considered it offensive, prompting the filmmakers to eventually change the title to Gajab Raat. While Bajpayee acknowledged that creative projects often face public scrutiny, he expressed deep distress over the escalation involving his relatives.
Speaking in an interview, the actor explained that he has developed thick skin throughout his career, which spanned numerous rejections and harsh commentary. However, he drew a sharp line when strangers began circulating images of his family members alongside hostile remarks.
Bajpayee noted that many of the threatening messages originated from what he described as bots and faceless profiles, leaving him and his team with no clear individuals to confront. He emphasized that while he maintains an easygoing demeanor in daily life, he becomes highly confrontational when forced to protect his loved ones, making the anonymity of the online harassers particularly frustrating.
According to the actor, the production team had considered five or six different options before selecting the original title, believing it accurately reflected the narrative and the central character. He maintained that critics reacted harshly to the name without understanding the actual context or plot of the film.
Despite receiving direct threats, Bajpayee continued his daily routines without altering his movements, even though local officials in certain areas advised him against stepping outside. He chose not to let fear dictate his actions.
Alongside Bajpayee, the cast of Gajab Raat features Nushrratt Bharuccha, Saqib Saleem, Akshay Oberoi, Divya Dutta, Kiku Sharda, and Shraddha Das.
