MUMBAI, India — While Samantha Ruth Prabhu won hearts in The Family Man Season 2, Season 3 has a new scene-stealer — Jaideep Ahlawat. Playing Rukmangadha Sinha (Rukma), Jaideep’s performance has resonated strongly with audiences.
In a recent chat with comedians Ravi Gupta and Kusha Kapila, alongside co-stars Manoj Bajpayee, Priyamani, and Nimrat Kaur, Jaideep shared a deeply personal moment. He revealed that a phone call from Manoj Bajpayee after the release of Paatal Lok changed his life forever.
“When Season 1 released, I got a phone call from Manoj Bajpayee. He spoke to me for 20 minutes. I will never forget that. After the call, I cried a lot,” Jaideep recalled.
When asked what Manoj said, he replied:
“I told him, ‘Please open a film institute. I want to become your student.’ Maybe that’s why he cried.”
The moment highlighted the rarity of genuine appreciation among actors, with Manoj stating:
“One actor never praises another. They won’t call to appreciate someone’s work because they’re insecure.”
Struggles and Rise to Success
Both actors have had arduous journeys to stardom. Manoj Bajpayee, now a legendary figure, faced repeated rejections from the National School of Drama. Reflecting on his early days in Mumbai, he said:
“The worst days of my life were when I left Delhi for Mumbai. In Delhi, I worked 18 hours a day without money but was creatively satisfied. In Mumbai, there was no work, no money, no food. I didn’t know English, so I kept practising, and people thought I was crazy.”
Manoj’s breakthrough came with Satya (1998), followed by Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), and later The Family Man, which made him a household name.
Jaideep Ahlawat’s path was equally dramatic. After years of smaller roles, fame arrived with Paatal Lok (2020) at the age of 40. The series propelled him into leading roles in Jaane Jaan, Maharaj, Jewel Thief, and now The Family Man Season 3.
On-Screen Banter and Praise
During the lighthearted session, co-stars and comedians reenacted viral scenes, eliciting laughter and camaraderie. Jaideep’s playful banter with Manoj, combined with the emotional revelations, showcased the human side of actors behind the glamour of Bollywood.
“He’s just playing his character. He’s an FTII graduate. He’s a great actor,” Manoj said, praising Jaideep’s work, leaving the room in laughter and admiration.
