Dharmendra’s eyes welled up as he bid farewell to his dear friend Manoj Kumar. The two actors had been inseparable since their struggling days. Manoj, affectionately called “Mannu” by Dharmendra, had been his rock, his confidant, and his partner in crime. They shared a bond that went beyond friendship – a bond that only comes from sharing the highs and lows of life together.
As Dharmendra stood beside Manoj’s mortal remains, he couldn’t help but think of the good old days. The days when they would share a room, struggle to make ends meet, and dream of making it big in the film industry. Manoj, the talented actor and director, had been more than just a friend to Dharmendra. He was the one who had convinced him to stay back in Mumbai when Dharmendra had decided to return to his village after facing rejection and humiliation.
Manoj’s ghostwriting skills had helped them both survive during those tough times. He would write for others and use the money to feed himself and Dharmendra. Their friendship was a testament to the power of true camaraderie. As Dharmendra looked back, he remembered the times they had spent together, the laughter they had shared, and the tears they had dried for each other.
In a 2013 interview with Hindustan Times, Dharmendra had spoken about the loss of his friends and the pain it had left him with. He had said, “I wish God could turn back time, and all the actors and friends who have left us could come back. We were more than just friends; we were a family.” His words still echo in the minds of those who knew him and Manoj.
Dharmendra’s eyes welled up as he thought of Manoj’s passing. He had lost many friends in the past few years, including Pran and Dilip Kumar. The pain of losing his friends still lingered, and Manoj’s demise had reopened old wounds. As he walked away from the funeral, Dharmendra couldn’t help but feel a sense of emptiness, a sense of loss that only comes from losing a part of yourself.
Manoj Kumar, the talented actor and director, had been battling health issues for a long time. His son, Kunal Goswami, had revealed that he had been suffering from liver sorosis and had been hospitalized several times for treatment. Aruna Irani, who had worked with Manoj, had also spoken about his health issues, saying that his lungs would often fill up with water, requiring him to visit the hospital frequently.
As the news of Manoj’s passing spread, the film industry was left mourning the loss of a legend. Dharmendra, however, was left mourning the loss of a friend, a brother, and a part of himself. The void left by Manoj’s demise would be difficult to fill, but Dharmendra knew that he would always carry Manoj’s memories with him, memories that would continue to inspire and motivate him to keep moving forward.