India, June 22 -- There was a time when Manoj Bajpayee would be seen in commercial mainstream Hindi films such as Veer-Zaara, Rajneeti, and Special 26. But over the last decade, the National Award-winning actor has shifted focus to working in smaller, independent films. His latest, Governor, is the latest in a series of acclaimed, small-budget films featuring the actor. In a candid chat with Hindustan Times, the veteran actor talks about his love for independent films and what it would take to get him back to mainstream cinema.

Manoj Bajpayee: Actually, if I tell you that, you will not believe it, mera mann lagta hai. (My heart is in it.) I enjoy my performance a lot when I am doing something such that even those near me are surprised, l...