Versatile actor Manoj Bajpai, who has won a Special Jury award for his role in "Pinjar", will star in two of Sahara Manoranjan's forthcoming films - Pankaj Parasher's "Inteqam" and Makarand Deshpande's "Hanan".

Bajpai was felicitated by Sahara Manoranjan for winning the award at a lavish do at the luxurious sea-side restaurant - Blue Sea -here.

Media people flocked around Manoj for sound bytes. He was accompanied by the two directors Pankaj and Makarand while Akashdeep, the creative director of Sahara Films and Mega Series set the tone for the party with his casual, good humored banter. Also seen were Manoj's co-star Sonali Kulkarni in "Hanan" and cinematographer Kiran Deohans.

"Manoj is a fine actor and I am happy for him," said Pankaj. Added Makarand: "I am proud of Manoj. Ever since the two of us worked in Ram Gopal Varma's 'Satya', he's hooked me with his Bhiku Mhatre character. I'm glad an actor of his calibre is around us. He's played the role of Pagla in 'Hanan' in a way only he could. I hope we gather here again next year when he wins the National Award for my film. I truly hope he does."

Manoj, returning the compliments, said: "It's been my long time wish to work with Pankaj and in 'Intequaam' I simply said yes without even knowing what the script was. I have done in this film what heroines do, look good and wear great clothes while my two heroines Isha Kopikar and Nethra Raghuraman have done all the acting."

"As for Makarand he keeps putting pressure on me by saying again and again that I'm a good actor. I don't know what the fate of 'Hanan' would be but as an actor it's only led a progression of the actor in me and for that I'm truly blessed."

"Can I add anything more?" questioned Aakashdeep, when asked for his comments on Bajpai's winning the National Award. "He is one of the most accomplished actors around. I had the honor of directing him in my film 'Ghaath', where he was cast opposite three other national award winners Tabu, Anupam and Om Puri."

"This award is just one the many that will adorn his showcase in the years to come. When we were casting for 'Hanan' and 'Inteqam', we did not look beyond Manoj. I can predict that both the films will do very well."