Dharmendra and Manoj Kumar starred alongside each other in films like Shaadi and Mera Naam Joker.
Actor Manoj Kumar’s passing was a huge blow to Bollywood, and left the industry a state of mourning.
Kumar’s brother, Manish Goswami, recently reflected on his legacy, and recalled anecdotes about his life and career. He said that his brother and Dharmendra rose up the ranks together, and were so close that they would share each other’s clothes. At one point, when they felt like they weren’t going to make it, they even contemplated returning to their villages.
Talking to Vickey Lalwani, Goswami said, “He was very close to Dharmendra ji; they used to struggle together at Ranjit Studios. One day, both of them even decided to leave Bollywood and go back to their respective villages due to lack of work.” The two actors worked together in films such as Shaadi (1962) and Mera Naam Joker (1970), and the latter is considered a classic of Indian cinema. Directed by Raj Kapoor, the cast of the film included Raj Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Simi Garewal, Manoj Kumar and Dharmendra.
Elaborating on their relationship, Goswami said, “They used to share clothes, and he only addressed Manoj as Hari; he never used his stage name. So, when he came for the prayer meet, he said, ‘Hari, tu chala gaya mujhe chhod ke (Hari, you have left me behind’). He was also close to many other people, such as Pran, Prem Chopra and Kamini Kaushal.”
Goswami also spoke about his brother’s goodwill in the industry. “Shatrughan Sinha said that he never scolded me even if I was late. Sairo Banu said that Manoj Kumar had decided to shelve Purab Aur Paschim if she didn’t work in the film. He was a very cool filmmaker, and I have never seen him get angry on the set; he never lost his temper, even if the actor was not performing or the production requirements were not met.”
Without a doubt, Manoj ‘Bharat’ Kumar had a lasting impact on audiences and the industry. His work as an actor and director have set the bar high for all those who will ever follow in his footsteps. His deeds as a human being are inspiring and prove that he was a true patriot at heart, both on and off the screen.