My dad had a great connection...: Sunny Deol recalls his father Dharmendra's close bond with Manoj Kumar

ANI April 8, 2025 263 views

Sunny Deol recently shared touching memories of his father Dharmendra's close relationship with late actor Manoj Kumar. The two veteran actors shared a deep bond during their struggling days in Bollywood, often helping each other through tough times. Manoj Kumar, known as 'Bharat Kumar', was cremated with state honours after passing away on April 4th. His legacy in patriotic cinema remains an inspiring chapter in Indian film history.

"Manoj, mere Yaar Tere saath beta har pal bahut yaad ayega" - Dharmendra
New Delhi, April 7: Bollywood star Sunny Deol talked about his father and veteran actor Dharmendra's close bond with the late Manoj Kumar.

Key Points

1

Sunny recalls father and Manoj Kumar's early struggling days

2

Dharmendra shared deep friendship with patriotic cinema icon

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Manoj Kumar cremated with state honours

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Legendary actor known as 'Bharat Kumar'

While speaking to the media, he said, "They both were together in the industry. He had always been a father figure for us, and since childhood, I had seen him with my father. My dad had a great connection with him. I would just say that the films that he did were about India, and bahut pyaari thi. Usi se deshbhakti ka silsila shuru hua that."

He recalled how his father shared an incident with him just before coming to the Capital. "Before coming here, dad was telling me that when he was with Manoj ji in the early days, they were struggling; jeb mein paise nahi hote the."

Sunny was in the Capital for the 'Jaat' press conference along with Randeep Hooda, Viineet Kumar Siingh, and others.

"When Manoj ji have some amount of money and he went to buy clothes, he would ask my dad, 'Aa lele Dharam, tu vi lele do kameezaan.' So, such a beautiful bond they had. And, I think that time was great, wo zamaana waapis nahi aa sakta," he added.

Veteran star Dharmendra on Saturday took a stroll down memory lane and shared a vintage picture with the 'Kranti' star.

The throwback picture shows the two stars sharing smiles.

In his caption, Dharmendra mentioned that he will always remember the moments spent with Manoj Kumar.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DIEphMzIVSA/

"Manoj, mere Yaar Tere saath beta har pal bahut yaad ayega," he captioned the post.

Dharmendra also paid a visit to Manoj Kumar's residence after he learned about his demise.

Manoj Kumar was cremated with state honours at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai on Saturday. The funeral was attended by prominent Bollywood figures, including Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Salim Khan, and Arbaaz Khan.

The legendary actor and filmmaker passed away at 4:03 am on April 4 at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai after a prolonged illness.

Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Kumar became an iconic figure in Indian cinema, especially in the 1960s and 1970s.

The actor was affectionately known as "Bharat Kumar" for his iconic roles in patriotic films such as Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Shaheed. In addition to his acting career, Kumar made significant contributions as a director and producer.

His directorial debut, Upkar (1967), won the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film.

Reader Comments

P
Priya S.
This is such a heartwarming story! The golden era of Bollywood had such genuine friendships. Makes me nostalgic for simpler times when relationships mattered more than box office numbers. ❤️
R
Rahul K.
Manoj Kumar's patriotic films shaped my childhood. "Upkar" remains one of my all-time favorites. Sad to see legends leaving us one by one.
A
Anjali M.
While I appreciate the sentiment, I wish the article had included more details about their professional collaborations too. Their on-screen chemistry was as special as their off-screen bond.
V
Vikram P.
"Aa lele Dharam, tu vi lele do kameezaan" - this line got me emotional! Today's stars would never share clothes, they're too busy flaunting designer wardrobes. Times have changed indeed.
S
Sanjay T.
Both legends in their own right. Manoj Kumar's contribution to patriotic cinema is unparalleled. His films still give me goosebumps whenever I watch them.
N
Neha R.
The picture of them smiling together says it all! 😊 True friendship that withstood the test of time. Makes me want to watch their old movies again this weekend.

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Tags:
Sunny Deol Dharmendra Manoj Kumar Bollywood Friendship Patriotic Cinema
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