Mumbai, October 17, 2025: National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee has publicly refuted a doctored video circulating on social media that falsely depicts him endorsing a political party ahead of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. The veteran actor, known for his powerful performances and integrity, took to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a clear statement condemning the “fake and misleading” video.
The Viral Video Controversy
The video in question began spreading widely across social platforms earlier this week, particularly among political circles and local Bihar media outlets. It appeared to show Bajpayee delivering a message of political support. However, the actor clarified that the clip was a manipulated edit of an old advertisement he had filmed for an OTT platform.
In his official statement, the Family Man actor wrote,
“I would like to publicly state that I have no association or allegiance with any political party. The video being circulated is a fake, patched-up edit of an ad I did for @PrimeVideoIN. I sincerely appeal to everyone sharing it to stop spreading such distorted content.”
He added that such fake edits were a violation of his personal and professional integrity, stressing that people should verify content before forwarding it.
Clarification Gains Public Support
Manoj Bajpayee’s swift clarification received strong public support from fans and industry peers alike. Several Bollywood personalities and journalists praised his decision to immediately address the issue instead of ignoring it. Within hours, the original video was taken down from multiple platforms, though screenshots and copies continued to circulate.
Sources close to the actor revealed that his legal team is considering filing a formal complaint against the individuals or entities responsible for editing and sharing the video. The clip reportedly first appeared on a few political handles before spreading through WhatsApp and Facebook groups.
Deepfakes and the Digital Dilemma
This controversy once again draws attention to the rising menace of deepfakes and AI-generated content, which are increasingly being used to spread misinformation during election periods. Experts have warned that such deceptive videos can easily manipulate public opinion and damage reputations in a matter of hours.
Bajpayee’s case highlights how even respected public figures are vulnerable to digital impersonation and unauthorized image usage. His response serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibility of social media users to verify the authenticity of content before resharing it.
Manoj Bajpayee’s Non-Political Stand
Born in Belwa, Bihar, Manoj Bajpayee has always maintained a neutral and apolitical stance throughout his long and successful career. Despite being vocal about social issues, he has never participated in political campaigns or endorsed any party.
Over the years, Bajpayee has become one of India’s most respected actors, known for his powerful roles in films such as Satya, Shool, Gangs of Wasseypur, and the hit web series The Family Man. The actor is a four-time National Award winner and a Padma Shri awardee, recognized for his contribution to Indian cinema.
A Call for Digital Responsibility
In his post, Bajpayee urged people to avoid spreading misinformation and report fake content instead. “These fabricated videos not only mislead the public but also harm democracy by spreading confusion,” he said.
Social media users echoed his sentiments, calling for stricter laws against deepfake content. Many pointed out that actors and influencers are often soft targets during election seasons, as their public appeal can be easily misused for political gain.
The incident has sparked a larger debate on digital ethics, with calls for tech companies and government agencies to collaborate in combating fake news and synthetic media before the Bihar polls intensify.
Legacy of Integrity
Manoj Bajpayee’s decision to directly confront the issue has been hailed as a responsible and courageous move. Known for his honesty both on and off-screen, the actor once again demonstrated his commitment to truth and authenticity — values that have defined his career for nearly three decades.
As the misinformation battle continues online, Bajpayee’s stance sets an important precedent for public figures to speak up against digital manipulation and protect their image from political misuse.
