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Last Updated: April 12, 2025, 21:31 IST
Manoj Kumar’s Legacy: Yash Chopra’s Mediation in the Om Shanti Om Controversy
After the recent death of the iconic actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar on April 4, his brother Manish Goswami has shared an insightful story about a delicate moment in Kumar’s life, highlighting the involvement of Yash Chopra in resolving a noteworthy controversy related to the film Om Shanti Om.
In a conversation with journalist Vickey Lalwani, Manish recalled the events surrounding a scene from the 2007 movie Om Shanti Om. This particular moment featured Shah Rukh Khan’s character imitating Kumar’s trademark hand-over-face gesture, a move that was held in high regard by the legendary actor. Although intended as a lighthearted tribute, the portrayal did not resonate well with Kumar, who perceived it as mockery rather than admiration.
Manish explained that while Kumar was displeased with the depiction, he opted against pursuing legal action or demanding financial restitution. “He wasn’t interested in anything that would escalate the situation,” Manish stated. “His only wish was for symbolic restitution, requesting a defamation suit worth just one rupee, but fortunately, wise heads prevailed, and a resolution was reached.”
The reconciliation was dramatically facilitated by the legendary Yash Chopra, known for his diplomatic prowess in the film industry. “Yash Chopra saab played a crucial role in facilitating the meeting,” shared Manish. “He was there when Shah Rukh and Farah came to our home to sincerely apologize for the incident.” This gesture of goodwill helped to mend the rift created by the scene.
At the time, the incident left Kumar visibly upset. “It did unsettle him quite a bit,” Manish noted. “His feelings were justified, and many in the industry sided with him. Yet, it showed immense maturity from Shah Rukh and Farah to acknowledge the hurt and strive for reconciliation. It was a commendable act of respect.”
Shah Rukh Khan acknowledged the situation in a televised interview back in 2007, expressing regret over the unintentional slight. “I recognize that I was completely in the wrong,” he admitted. “If he felt hurt, I’m genuinely sorry. I should have exercised more caution and reached out to him before the film was released.”
In the wake of Manoj Kumar’s passing, Shah Rukh once again reflected on his respect for Kumar’s work. He shared a heartfelt tribute on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Manoj Kumar ji created films that elevated our nation and its cinema, promoting unity with unmatched sincerity. A true legend. His contributions defined an era and left an indelible mark on our industry. Thank you, sir. You will always be ‘Bharat’ to us.”
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