No reason to compare me with Abhishek: Manoj Bajpai

New Delhi: Bollywood actors Abhishek Bachchan and Manoj Bajpai are playing the same character in two different films.

Comparisons are inevitable, but the Zubeidaa star says that there is no reason to weigh his portrayal against that of the former.

Bajpai is playing the role of revolutionary Surya Sen, famously known as Masterda, in Chittagong directed by Bedabrata Pain, while Abhishek will be seen portraying the same freedom fighter in Ashutosh Gowariker's Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se.

"There is no harm if people get to see Masterda in two films. Abhishek is a good actor, he will play it his way and I will play it in mine. I don't see why we should be compared," Bajpai said in an interview.

Chittagong will release in October, while KheleinHum... is expected to hit screens in December.

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Bajpai is glad that two films are being made on the 1930 event which will mean that more people will come to know about the less-known freedom fighter.

"Although the approach is different, it is great that two films are being made on the same event and more people will come to know about Masterda," said Bajpai.

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Even though its a period film, the 41-year-old actor hasn't gone into much research about his role since he got ample help from his director.

"Masterda was a teacher - very subdued, calm and intelligent - but one who spoke like a leader and could inspire people," said Bajpai.

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He is known for his intense performances in Shool and Pinjar and Bajpai says he likes to watch all kinds of films except mushy, romantic ones.

The actor, who shot to fame as 'Bhiku Mhatre' in Ramgopal Varma's 'Satya'(1998), a gritty film based on the Mumbai underworld, says that there are few chances of him being castas a romantic hero either.

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"I consider my role in Zubeidaa as a romantic one, but with every passing year, chances of me being cast as a romantic hero is decreasing," said Bajpai.

The actor is looking forward to two more upcoming releases - an animated Ramayana, in which Bajpai has lent his voice to Ram's character and a comedy Dus Tola, where he is playing a goldsmith.

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"It is a Malgudi Days kind of movie about simple, honest people and their relationships," said Bajpai, who has actress Aarti Chhabria playing his love interest in the film.

Come November, Bajpai will begin shooting for Anurag Kashyap's next based on the coal mafia in Dhanbad, which will be made in two parts.