Legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar passed away in Mumbai today. As per reports, he suffered cardiogenic shock after an acute myocardial infarction. He was 87. He leaves behind a rich legacy of memorable performances and landmark films that continue to influence Hindi cinema. As the film industry and fans mourn his loss, we’re taking a look at some of his most memorable on-screen pairings with leading heroines.
Manoj Kumar and Waheeda Rehman
Manoj Kumar and Waheeda Rehman’s chemistry certainly left a mark. The two first came together for the 1967 released romantic film Patthar Ke Sanam. The film also featured Pran and Mumtaz. They later starred together in the 1968 film Neel Kamal, a paranormal thriller. Their performances in the hit film, as Ram and Sita, won over critics and fans alike. They elevated each other’s performances in an ensemble alongside Dilip Kumar, Simi Garewal and Pran in the 1968 hit Aadmi.
Manoj Kumar and Saira Banu
Manoj Kumar and Saira Banu starred in three films together and their pairing remains iconic. They first came together for the 1967 film Shaadi. As Raja and Gauri, they showcased their easy chemistry. Saira and Manoj then starred in the 1970 film Purab Aur Paschim. Banu has shared several anecdotes about the film’s making, revealing that Kumar showed his support when she fell sick while shooting. He refused to replace her as his heroine. In an exclusive interview with Filmfare, Manoj Kumar recalled taking Dilip Kumar’s permission to star alongside Saira Banu. “One day, on meeting Dilip saab I said, ‘I need your permission. Can Sairaji act in my film?’” He patted my cheek, looked straight in my eyes and said, “You are the first person who’s asking me.” This remains an emotional moment between us.”
Manoj Kumar and Sadhana
Manoj and Sadhana didn’t just come together for a hit film, but also for one of the most popular songs in Hindi cinema. They featured in the romantic thriller film Woh Kaun Thi? (1964) and the track Lag Jaa Gale was picturised on the pair. Their on-screen chemistry was palpable. They reunited for Anita (1967). Manoj famously recalled meeting Sadhana on a local train journey. “She was sitting near a window with wind blowing her hair across her face. I thought she should be in films. Later, she became a craze and reached the highest pedestal,” the late actor had shared.
Manoj Kumar and Asha Parekh
The late Manoj Kumar and Asha Parekh were a famous on-screen pair in Hindi cinema. They worked together in romantic and emotional films, including the 1966 film Do Badan and the 1969 film Sajan. They also came together for Upkar (1967), which marked Kumar’s directorial debut. The patriotic film is considered one of the actor’s finest works. In an exclusive chat with Filmfare, Manoj Kumar had heaped praise on Parekh. Calling her a “huge star,” he fondly recalled, “Asha had supported me in my early days, and so I offered her Upkar. She had very sharp eyebrows, which you won’t find in Upkar. I was a hard taskmaster and made her stay away from shaping them in that manner. As a person, it’s difficult to define Asha. She was always independent. Even at that age, it was she who looked after her parents. The way she has served them, hats off to her!”
Manoj Kumar and Hema Malini
Manoj Kumar and Hema Malini made a hit onscreen pair. They starred in 6 films together, including Sanyasi (1975), Santosh (1989), Dus Numbri (1976) and Kranti (1981), which Kumar also directed. In a Filmfare interview, Kumar shared that Malini was the closest to his family. “She’d send us idlis and dosas. We’d send across kaali dal. We did Sanyasi, Dus Numbri and Kranti together. Once during Kranti, I told her that I wanted to shoot her at the helipad at 5.10 am. I wanted to capture her in a ‘sunrise’ mood, which marked the change in her character. I zoomed at the sun, she looked at it…shot over. She was very happy with the shot and sent across some idlis,” he said.
Manoj Kumar and Zeenat Aman
Manoj Kumar and Zeenat Aman played the lead roles, Bharat and Sheetal, in the hit 1974 film Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, which Kumar also directed. The film went on to become a huge hit, the highest-grossing title of the year. It revolves around a man who is tasked with looking after his family after his father’s demise. Kumar and Aman gave a memorable performance together. Their song together, Main Na Bhoolunga was also a hit.
See Also: Obituary: Remembering the life and works of Manoj Kumar
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