Hema Malini reveals Manoj Kumar was 'truly unique in his approach to film making'

IANS April 4, 2025 314 views

Legendary actress Hema Malini has shared a heartfelt tribute to late filmmaker Manoj Kumar, highlighting their professional collaboration across four memorable films. She emphasized Kumar's unique filmmaking style and his passionate approach to storytelling, particularly his patriotic themes that resonated with audiences. Recalling their personal connection as neighborhood friends, Malini painted a nostalgic picture of a bygone era in Indian cinema. Her tribute serves as a poignant memorial to Kumar, who passed away at 87, leaving behind an indelible mark on Indian film history.

"Manoj Kumar was truly unique in his approach to filmmaking" - Hema Malini
Hema Malini reveals Manoj Kumar was 'truly unique in his approach to film making'
Mumbai, April 4: Flipping some pages from her work diaries with legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, Hema Malini claimed that he was 'truly unique in his approach to filmmaking'.

Key Points

1

Collaborated on 4 iconic films including Kranti and Dus Numbri

2

Praised for patriotic themes and aesthetic storytelling

3

Shared personal memories of working together

4

Remembered as passionate filmmaker with mass appeal

Dropping some throwback pictures with 'Bharat Kumar' on her Instagram handle, Hema shared that she has the fortune of collaborating with Manoj Kumar in 4 projects - 'Sanyasi', 'Dus Numbri', 'Kranti', and 'Santosh'.

"Manoj Kumar is no more. Wonderful, warm, friendly person with whom I had the opportunity to work in 4 big films all under his direction - Sanyasi, Dus Numbri, Kranti, and Santosh. Evergreen movies all made with a unique touch of inimitable class," the actress and politician wrote on the photo-sharing app.

Hema disclosed that Manoj Kumar was extremely fond of her and took great care to get the best angles in all the scenes.

She added, "Those days the directors were passionate about their work and each left indelible memories behind. Manoj Kumar, known as Bharat for the touch of patriotism in all his movies, was truly unique in his approach to filmmaking. He was very fond of me and took great care to get the best angles in all the scenes. His films had mass appeal - they were aesthetic, interesting with excellent narratives and dialogues that people loved."

Looking back at the good old days, Hema said that she enjoyed a personal equation with both Manoj Kumar and Shashi Kapoor as they were her neighbors from across the street.

Acknowledging the incredible legacy left behind by Manoj Kumar, Hema concluded saying, "With a deep sigh, I can only say “Those were the days” when wonderful directors made fabulous films that can never get outdated. Manoj Kumar has his unique place amongst them. Farewell dear friend!"

Manoj Kumar breathed his last on Friday at the age of 87 at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.

Reader Comments

P
Priya S.
Such a beautiful tribute! Manoj Kumar's films were truly special - the patriotism mixed with great storytelling was unmatched. Hema Malini's words show how much respect they had for each other ❤️
R
Rahul K.
While I appreciate the nostalgia, I think we should also acknowledge that filmmaking techniques have evolved significantly since then. Manoj Kumar was great for his era, but today's directors have different strengths.
A
Anjali M.
Kranti is still one of my all-time favorite films! The dialogues, the emotions, everything was perfect. Manoj Kumar sir will always be remembered as a legend of Indian cinema.
V
Vikram P.
Interesting to hear about the personal equation between these legends. The golden era of Bollywood had such genuine relationships between stars, unlike today's PR-driven friendships.
S
Sunita R.
My parents grew up watching his films and passed on that love to me. There's something timeless about classics like Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. Rest in peace to a true visionary 🙏
N
Neeraj D.
Hema Malini's description of directors being passionate about their work really hits home. Today everything feels so commercialized. We need that artistic passion back in Bollywood!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Hema Malini Manoj Kumar Bollywood Indian Cinema Tribute Patriotic Films
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