When Manoj Kumar Said Shashi Kapoor And Dharmendra Were 'Greedy' Actors, 'I've Done Hardly 35 Films'

Bollywood has witnessed multiple superstars, such as Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Raj Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, and Sridevi. Apart from their hard work and fame, one common aspect was that they all worked in more than 100 to 200 films. However, veteran actor, Manoj Kumar, who passed on April 4, 2025, was one of the rarest stars who worked in a limited number of films compared to his contemporaries despite receiving massive critical and commercial success. Fans often waited for months to see his film, and in one of his previous interviews, the actor-filmmaker shared his reason for doing the same, taking a subtle dig at other actors. 

Manoj Kumar called Dharmendra and Shashi Kapoor, greedy actors

Manoj Kumar was distinct from other actors of his time because he didn't follow trends but created them. From focusing on storytelling to infusing a significant blend of patriotism and entertainment, his contribution to cinema is unmatched. However, despite his potential and success, he consciously worked in approximately 80 films, some of them being brief roles at the beginning of his career. Sharing his reason behind it, Manoj Kumar, in an interview with Subhash K Jha, shared that he isn't greedy like Dharmendra or Shashi Kapoor. In his words:

"I am not a greedy film person, even as an actor. While my contemporaries Dharmendra and Shashi Kapoor acted in nearly 300 films each, I've hardly done 35 films in my entire career."

Manoj Kumar further decreased his appearance in films during the late '80s and early '90s after a string of flops with Kalyug Aur Ramayan, Santosh, and Clerk. He last acted in the 1995 film, Maidan-E-Jung and bid farewell to his acting career. Four years later, he made his last directorial venture with the 1999 film, Jai Hind. He left an undeniable impact on acting and filmmaking in his nearly 40 years. 

When Manoj Kumar revealed his favourite film from his career 

Manoj Kumar has delivered some of the most iconic films of all time in his career, including Shaheed, Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, which people across the nation loved. Moreover, these patriotic films and roles became his identity, earning him the name 'Bharat Kumar'. However, when the actor was asked about his personal favourite in his career, he gave an unexpected response and revealed it was his 1972 film, Shor. Explaining the reason behind the same, he said:

"Shor in 1972. It was about a man and his son. I remember I had gone to sign Jaya Bhaduriji after seeing her in Guddi. I told her Shor is about a father and son. The son can't speak, and the father pines to hear him. But the day that the son speaks, the father can't hear any more. No Indian film had been made on such a thin storyline. And that is the only film I directed in which I was not named Bharat."

Manoj Kumar shared he had no plans for stepping into direction

Apart from acting, Manoj Kumar also gained recognition for filmmaking abilities after debuting as a director with Upkar in 1967. It was a big success, and he directed more prominent films like Purab Aur Paschim, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan and Kranti. But, the veteran actor stunned everyone when he shared that he had no plans to step into the world of direction. Recalling how he became a director, Manoj said:

"I never intended to be a director in the first place. I became one by default when, during Shaheed, I had to direct the film unofficially. Then Lal Bahadur Shastri raised the slogan of Jai Jawan Jai Kisan. That's how I made Upkar. I give credit for my success to my parents."

Manoj Kumar's final rites will take place on April 4, 2025. We hope God gives his family and well-wishers immense strength during this difficult time. 

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