Manoj Bajpayee and Irrfan Khan: How a Cup of Tea Cemented a Friendship

Mumbai, November 16: Renowned director Nikkhil Advani recently reminisced about the cherished moments he shared with the late Irrfan Khan, Manoj Bajpayee, and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. These memories were steeped in endless cups of tea and heartfelt discussions about life, cinema, and everything in between.

In a candid conversation on Cyrus Broacha’s podcast Cyrus Says, Advani recalled how tea became the unlikely centerpiece of their burgeoning friendships. “The debates about whether the tea from Banaras was superior to Kanpur’s or Bareilly’s touched upon so many aspects of life and cinema,” he said, adding a tinge of nostalgia.

A Brotherhood Born Over Chai and Conversation

Advani painted a vivid picture of simpler times. “Back then, none of us had much money,” he shared. “Manoj, Irrfan, Anurag, and I used to hang out together. The rule was simple: you could eat, but if you wanted alcohol, you had to bring your own. We’d gather on this rooftop, bringing whatever we could, and spend two or three days just talking.”

He fondly remembered the passionate debates about tea:
“They were so intensely invested in whether Banaras tea was better than Kanpur or Bareilly tea. Coming from South Bombay, I was clueless. I kept wondering, What is Banaras tea? Why are they so passionate about it? And why is this discussion happening in such pure Hindi?”

The Karan Johar Connection

Advani also shared a lighter moment involving filmmaker Karan Johar, who happened to be his neighbor. Reflecting on his playful antics, Advani admitted, “I used to seize any opportunity to tease Karan whenever I could.”

Nikkhil Advani’s Legacy and Latest Venture

Known for directing films like Batla House, Delhi Safari, Salaam-e-Ishq, Patiala House, and Chandni Chowk to China, Nikkhil Advani continues to make his mark on Indian cinema. His latest project, Freedom at Midnight, is inspired by the iconic book by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins.

The series, which premiered on Sony LIV on November 15, features Siddhant Gupta, Chirag Vohra, and Rajendra Chawla. With its compelling narrative and talented cast, the show promises to be yet another feather in Advani’s cap.

As the director recalled those soulful chai sessions with Manoj Bajpayee and Irrfan Khan, it was clear that those moments were about more than just tea. They were about camaraderie, shared dreams, and conversations that remain etched in memory—a tribute to the simplicity of genuine connections.