From Playing 'The Family Man' To Being One: Manoj Bajpayee On Love, Marriage And Shabana Raza

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Season 3 of 'The Family Man' is on its way, and Manoj Bajpayee is once again stepping into the layered world of Srikant Tiwari, a man who balances national threats with dinner table dilemmas. While the series explores the strain between personal and professional life, off-screen Manoj seems to have found his own rhythm. His marriage to actor Shabana Raza formerly known as Neha is not built on dramatic highs but something far steadier. As the fictional family man returns to the screen, his real family life quietly stands apart.

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A First Meeting That Stuck

They met at a party, not on a set or red carpet. Shabana showed up with oiled hair and zero concern about appearances. That's what caught Manoj's attention-not the effort to impress, but the lack of it. Her self-assurance made a lasting impression. It wasn't a big moment, but it stayed with him. That night led to many conversations, and eventually, something more.

His Version Of Romance

When asked if he's romantic, Manoj is clear: not in the traditional sense. He doesn't believe in grand displays or movie-style declarations. His idea of romance is more about being reliable, being present, and showing care in simple ways. "I'm not a very filmy romantic person," he once confessed. "My romance is as subtle as my performances." In his world, it's the everyday actions that count.

The Long Game

They were together for nearly eight years before deciding to marry in 2006. There was no rush, no pressure to define things publicly. Manoj had gone through a short-lived marriage earlier in his life, and by the time he met Shabana, he knew the kind of foundation he wanted. Shabana once shared that the strength of their relationship comes from being able to separate work and home. It's a boundary they've maintained from the start.

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/shabanabajpayee/

Parenting And Personal Growth

In 2011, their daughter Ava Nayla was born. Manoj often says this changed him in ways he didn't expect. He credits his wife with making him more responsible and his daughter with teaching him patience. At home, he laughs about being outnumbered. "They gang up on me," he jokes. But he's quick to add that their closeness brings him comfort, not chaos.

Mutual Understanding

Their relationship has been marked by mutual respect. Shabana chose to step away from her acting career, and Manoj has always supported her decision. If she ever decides to return to the screen, he's said he'd be happy to work with her. What's also clear is how well she understands his work. She's never made his professional choices a point of friction, and he often credits her for creating a space where he can focus on his craft.

Built To Last

Over time, the two have built a life far from public scrutiny. There are no social media updates or curated couple photos. They've chosen privacy over attention and seem content to let their relationship grow outside of the spotlight. Manoj often says their bond comes down to shared values. That's the part he returns to again and again-not chemistry, not convenience, but alignment in how they see the world.

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/shabanabajpayee/

As The Family Man returns with more drama and dilemmas, Manoj's real life offers a subtle kind of stability. With Shabana and their daughter by his side, he's built something personal, balanced, and strong. And maybe that's why it works so well.