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Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 11:17 IST
Manoj Kumar and Dharmendra’s Lasting Bond in Cinema
Manoj Kumar, a celebrated figure in Indian cinema, sadly passed away on April 4, leaving a remarkable legacy that has left fans and colleagues mourning. The iconic actor and director, who was 87 at the time of his passing, died at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. His close friend and fellow actor, Dharmendra, aged 89, visited Kumar’s residence, expressing his grief surrounded by his team. Meanwhile, Kumar’s brother, Manish Goswami, offered insights into their close-knit relationship and Kumar’s enduring impact on Bollywood.
In an interview with journalist Vickey Lalwani, Manish shared that the bond between Kumar and Dharmendra was profound, shaped by their early struggles in the film industry at Ranjit Studios. He recounted how the two friends contemplated leaving Bollywood altogether due to the challenges they faced in finding work.
Manish shared a personal touch, revealing how Dharmendra affectionately called Kumar “Hari,” a name he reserved for his friend rather than his stage name. This nickname reflected their close friendship, even extending to sharing clothing. When Dharmendra attended the prayer meeting following Kumar’s death, he poignantly expressed, “Hari, tu chala gaya mujhe chhod ke” (Hari, you have left me behind).
Manish also noted that their camaraderie extended beyond work to include other legendary actors such as Pran, Prem Chopra, and Kamini Kaushal, emphasizing the strong bonds formed during their formative years in the film industry.
Following the news of Kumar’s passing, Dharmendra took to social media to share a nostalgic photo of the duo celebrating a moment of achievement. In the image, both actors are seen smiling while holding a trophy. Dharmendra captioned it with heartfelt sentiments, stating, “Manoj, mere yaar tere saath beeta har pal bahut yaad ayega,” which translates to “My friend, I will remember every moment spent with you.”
Legacy of Their Collaborations
The partnership of Manoj Kumar and Dharmendra is characterized by several significant films, especially during the 1970s. Their collaborations include memorable titles such as “Rakhwala” (1971), “Patthar Aur Payal” (1974), and “Shor” (1972), where both actors played pivotal roles that contributed significantly to the films’ successes.
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