Manoj Bajpayee Says His ‘Last Man in Tower’ Character Is Obsessed With Being the ‘Good Person’

Mumbai, September 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee has spoken about the emotional complexity of his character in Last Man in Tower, saying the retired schoolteacher is deeply invested in being seen as the “good person” within his family.

Bajpayee discussed the character alongside actress Divya Dutta and director Ben Rekhi during the film’s promotions in Mumbai’s Andheri West.

Explaining the character’s mindset, Bajpayee said he tends to view situations through the narrow framework of right and wrong. His backstory, he added, becomes clearer through his relationship with his son.

“He has this addiction to be the good person in the family, the bigger person in the family,” Bajpayee said.

According to the actor, his character has spent years trying to live up to that image and helping his brothers, but in the process has overlooked his immediate family.

“He always tried to live up to those expectations. Now, in doing that, somewhere he ignored his own immediate family,” Bajpayee said.

The character believes he has made significant sacrifices for his siblings and considers his actions a great favour to them. However, when his son confronts him about the consequences of those choices, his carefully constructed sense of self-worth begins to unravel.

Bajpayee said the character reflects a broader human tendency to become attached to one’s own perception of greatness.

“Sometimes we get addicted to our own greatness. And you stop realizing that your so-called greatness is actually creating so much of a problem for others,” he said.

He added that the character’s journey ultimately becomes one of self-realisation, highlighting the need for people to examine their own actions and motivations.

Last Man in Tower is based on Aravind Adiga’s novel of the same name and is set against the changing landscape of Mumbai.

Bajpayee plays a retired schoolteacher and widower living in an ageing apartment complex. When a wealthy developer offers residents a lucrative deal to vacate the building so that a luxury tower can be constructed, most residents are tempted by the offer.

Bajpayee’s character refuses to leave, making him the lone obstacle to the redevelopment project.

The film is currently running in cinemas.