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The Golden Era Bond: Sunny Deol Remembers Dharmendra & Manoj Kumar’s Enduring Friendship
Meta Description: Sunny Deol shares heartwarming stories of his father Dharmendra’s deep friendship with the late Manoj Kumar, highlighting their bond from struggling days to Bollywood’s golden era.
Bollywood’s golden era was not just defined by iconic films and dazzling stars, but also by the profound friendships that formed behind the scenes. These bonds often withstood the test of time, becoming legendary in their own right.
One such cherished connection was between veteran actors Dharmendra and the late Manoj Kumar. Their friendship, rooted in mutual respect and shared struggles, recently came into the spotlight through a heartfelt anecdote shared by Sunny Deol.
Unveiling a Cherished Bollywood Bond
Earlier this year, during the trailer launch of his film ‘Jaat’, actor Sunny Deol recounted a touching story about his father Dharmendra’s bond with Manoj Kumar. This emotional moment served as a beautiful reminder of an era when industry relationships were built on genuine trust and affection.
The shared memory transported attendees back to a time when camaraderie was paramount, painting a vivid picture of a friendship that transcended professional rivalry.
A Father Figure and Industry Companion
Recalling their close relationship, Sunny Deol shared how integral Manoj Kumar was to their family. “Manojji came with our dad only. They both were together in the industry,” Sunny stated, as quoted by NDTV.
He added, “He had always been a father figure for us, and I have always seen him with my father during childhood. My dad had a great connection with him.”
Sunny also paid tribute to Manoj Kumar’s cinematic contributions. “I would just say that the films that he did were on India, bahut pyaari thi. Usi se deshbhakti ka silsila shuru hua tha (They were lovely. The tradition of patriotic films started with that).”
Tales from the Struggling Days
Sunny Deol further elaborated on the deep connection between the two legends by sharing a poignant memory from Dharmendra’s initial days in Mumbai. He revealed a story his father told him just before leaving for Delhi.
“Before coming here, dad was telling me that when he was with Manojji in the early days, obviously they were struggling, jeb mein paise nahi hote the (he didn’t have any money),” Sunny recounted.
He continued, “Manojji used to have money sometimes and whenever he went to buy clothes, he used to tell my dad, ‘Aa lele Dharam, tu vi lele do kameezaan.’ So, such a beautiful bond they had from that time onwards.”
More Than Just Colleagues
This gesture of generosity and solidarity highlights the profound depth of their friendship, forged in challenging times. Sunny reflected on this era with fondness, noting, “And, I think that time was great, vo zamaana vaapis nahi aasakta (that era won’t come back).”
It speaks volumes about the warmth and genuine human connection that often characterized relationships within the film industry during its formative years.
The Legacy of ‘Bharat Kumar’
Veteran actor Manoj Kumar, affectionately known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his iconic patriotic roles, passed away at the age of 87 on April 4, 2025. His name became synonymous with deshbhakti (patriotism) in Indian cinema, a genre he largely pioneered and mastered.
Sunny Deol’s heartfelt recollections not only celebrated his father’s cherished friendship but also served as a touching tribute to the late actor’s enduring legacy. Manoj Kumar’s contributions continue to resonate deeply within the annals of Indian film history.
Key Aspects of Manoj Kumar’s Legacy:
- Lovingly known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ due to his strong patriotic filmography.
- Pioneered and popularized the ‘deshbhakti’ genre in Indian cinema.
- Known for his powerful performances and storytelling centered on national pride.
- A beloved veteran whose memory and work continue to inspire.
Dharmendra: An Evergreen Star
Even at 89, Dharmendra continues to captivate audiences with his unwavering passion for acting. His career, spanning decades, is a testament to his talent and dedication to cinema.
He was last seen on screen in the 2024 film ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya,’ alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. The evergreen star is also slated to appear next in ‘Ikkis,’ directed by Sriram Raghavan, with Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia, scheduled for release on December 25, 2025.
His continued presence in films underscores the enduring appeal of these legendary figures, whose personal and professional journeys have shaped Bollywood.
Conclusion
The story of Dharmendra and Manoj Kumar’s friendship, beautifully shared by Sunny Deol, offers a heartwarming glimpse into the personal bonds that enriched Bollywood’s golden era. It reminds us that beyond the glitz and glamour, genuine connections and shared struggles formed the bedrock of many illustrious careers.
These tales of camaraderie and mutual support serve as a powerful testament to an era where human relationships were deeply valued, leaving an inspiring legacy for generations to come. Such friendships truly stand the test of time, enriching not just individual lives but the entire tapestry of Indian cinema.
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