Actor Manoj Bajpayee has opened up about the controversy surrounding his Netflix film Gajab Raat, which was originally announced under the title Ghooskhor Pandat. While the actor says he has developed a thick skin after years of facing criticism in the film industry, he admitted that the situation became deeply upsetting when online trolls began targeting his family.
The film’s original title sparked a major controversy earlier this year, with several politicians and organisations objecting to it, calling it casteist and offensive. Following the backlash on social media, the makers decided to change the title to Gajab Raat. However, the controversy continued to attract attention, and both Manoj Bajpayee and the filmmakers faced online criticism.
Manoj Bajpayee Opens Up About Online Abuse
In a recent interview with PTI, Manoj spoke candidly about how he dealt with the criticism. The actor explained that he has experienced rejection and harsh comments throughout his career, which has taught him to develop a thick skin.
He said that people could criticise him personally, and he would be prepared to handle it because he is an actor. However, the situation became much more difficult when people started sharing photographs of his family and making offensive remarks about them.
Manoj said, “You go ahead and assault me with the worst thing, I’ll take it because I’m an actor.” He added that he was deeply concerned and offended when trolls began publishing pictures of his family and making hurtful comments.
The actor’s statement highlights how online controversies can go beyond public disagreements and affect the personal lives of celebrities and their loved ones.
‘Who Could I Confront?’: Actor Reacts to Family Being Targeted
Manoj Bajpayee is married to actor Shabana Raza, who has appeared in films such as Kareeb and Fiza. The couple also have a daughter together. Speaking about the abuse directed at his family, Manoj said that the comments came from anonymous social media users, making it difficult for him to identify or confront those responsible.
Describing himself as an easygoing person who enjoys being happy and having fun, the actor said he can become confrontational when it comes to protecting his loved ones.
He explained that while he is accustomed to facing criticism in his professional life, seeing his family dragged into the controversy crossed a personal boundary. The fact that the people posting the comments were nameless made the situation even more frustrating.
Ghooskhor Pandat Renamed Gajab Raat
The film was initially announced by Netflix in February under the title Ghooskhor Pandat. The title triggered a strong reaction online, with critics arguing that it was offensive and casteist. Following the backlash, the makers changed the name to Gajab Raat.
Directed by Ritesh Shah and produced by Neeraj Pandey’s Friday Storytellers, the film follows Ajay Nirvit, a police officer whose attempt to help an injured woman pulls him into a high-level conspiracy. What begins as an act of compassion soon turns into a dangerous game that unfolds over the course of a single night.
The film also features Divya Dutta, Saqib Saleem, Shraddha Das and Akshay Oberoi, with Kiku Sharda and Nushrratt Bharuccha appearing in special roles.
Gajab Raat began streaming on Netflix on October 23, 2026.
Manoj Bajpayee’s Stand Against Personal Attacks
Manoj Bajpayee’s comments have brought attention back to the controversy, but his primary concern was not the criticism of the film or its title. Instead, he spoke about the emotional impact of seeing his family targeted by people hiding behind anonymous accounts.
For the actor, criticism is part of a public career, but attacks on loved ones are a different matter. His experience serves as a reminder that disagreements over films and creative choices do not justify personal abuse or dragging family members into online disputes.
