In the lead-up to the Bihar elections, actor Manoj Bajpayee has vehemently denounced a "fake" video circulating online, asserting that he has no affiliation with any political party. The actor issued a statement to clarify his position and distance himself from the video, which he claims is being used to falsely associate him with political campaigning.

Bajpayee's strong reaction highlights the increasing concern around misinformation and the misuse of celebrities' images in political campaigns, especially during crucial election periods. The actor's statement underscores the importance of verifying information and not falling prey to manipulated content that aims to mislead the public.

This isn't the first time Bajpayee has had to address rumors about his involvement in politics. In January 2024, he refuted reports suggesting he would contest the Lok Sabha elections from Bihar's West Champaran constituency. At the time, he dismissed the reports, stating firmly that he is an actor and will remain an actor. He also mentioned that speculations arose after he met with Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav in 2020, but clarified that he has no intention of joining politics.

In March 2023, Bajpayee revealed that he has been approached by almost every political party in India, except those based in the southern states, over the past 24 years. However, he has consistently declined these offers, stating that his passion lies in acting. He emphasized that he has "never got that feeling from within" to join politics.

Bajpayee's commitment to his craft is evident in his statement, "The only reason for that is that I don't feel like doing anything but act". He has consistently maintained that his focus remains on his acting career, and he enjoys working on characters and the creative process involved.

The actor's stance reflects a growing awareness among celebrities about the need to protect their image and prevent its misuse for political purposes. With the rise of social media and the ease with which misinformation can spread, it has become crucial for public figures to address false narratives and clarify their positions.

Bajpayee's denial comes at a time when political parties are actively campaigning for the Bihar elections, and any perceived association with a popular figure can significantly influence public opinion. The circulation of the fake video could be seen as an attempt to sway voters by creating a false impression of Bajpayee's support for a particular party.

The incident serves as a reminder of the ethical considerations surrounding the use of digital media in political campaigns. As technology advances, it becomes increasingly important to develop mechanisms to detect and counter misinformation, ensuring that voters have access to accurate information. Manoj Bajpayee's prompt response to the fake video underscores the need for vigilance and responsible communication in the digital age, especially during elections.