Posts tagged manoj kumar

Manoj Kumar initiates legal action against OSO makers…again

1
2 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

Roshni K Olivera (BOMBAY TIMES; March 19, 2013)

 

Veteran actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar is in no mood to forgive the makers of Om Shanti Om this time around. Bombay Times had reported on Sunday how Kumar was on tenterhooks as the film was released in Japan. Kumar was hoping that the producers and distributors would keep their word and delete his scenes from the film, but he has just found out that they were very much a part of the movie. “I am disappointed,” said Kumar adding, “My solicitors are looking into this. They feel I am too lenient and have told me that they will handle the matter now.”

It all started six years ago during the release of the film, when the actor got upset with the spoof on him. Later, he even got a court order asking for the objectionable scenes to be deleted before the film’s satellite screening.

Producer Farah Khan said, “I was in Japan for the premiere, but I didn’t see the film. So, I really don’t know if the scenes were there. We had deleted his scenes six years ago. If some old print was sent overseas then I can’t be held responsible for that. Manojji and we are friends and I’m sure he is happy for us that the film is doing well in Japan. It’s nice to see an Indian film get such a good response internationally.”

Manoj Kumar on high alert as Om Shanti Om releases in Japan

0
2 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

Roshni K Olivera (BOMBAY TIMES; March 17, 2013)

 

Veteran actor Manoj Kumar’s battle with Om Shanti Om, that started five years ago, is not over. In fact, Kumar is on alert once again, as Om Shanti Om released in Japan yesterday. “I hope those scenes in the film that made fun of me have been deleted. I’m trying to contact the makers, but I can’t get through them. If they show the scenes, I will not forgive them this time,” Kumar told Bombay Times. “I don’t want to depend on hearsay. I have to first find out if the scenes are part of the film. I have a friend in Japan, who will let me know,” he said.

The controversy dates back to the time when Om Shanti Om released during Diwali 2007. Kumar was miffed with the way he was spoofed in the film and decided to file a case against the producers. Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan rushed to pacify him at the time and assured him that the scenes would be deleted. A year later when he saw they were still there, he got a court order asking the producers to delete the objectionable part before the film’s satellite screening.

The actor, incidentally, shares a good rapport with Farah and her brother Sajid Khan now. “Yes, we are all very cordial. Sajid calls me up and he is very respectful,” he said, adding, “The spoof in Om Shanti Om is an insult to Manoj Kumar the person, and I will not compromise on that. So, I hope they’ve stuck to their word.” At the time of going to press, it couldn’t be confirmed if his scenes were shown in Japan. More >

Happy Birthday Dilip Saab

0
5 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

MUMBAI MIRROR (December 11, 2012)

 

With a career spanning six decades and more than 60 films in his kitty, not to mention the highest number of Filmfare award wins (a record he shares only with Shah Rukh Khan), he is hailed by critics, contemporaries and audiences as the greatest actor in Hindi cinema.

And even as he brings in his 91st birthday today, Dilip Kumar, born Muhammad Yousuf Khan, continues to inspire generations of actors setting foot in the film industry.

In this picture captured by ace lensman Jagdish Aurangabadkar on the sets of the 1981 film Kranti, the thespian is very much in character as he poses along with his co-actors Shatrughan Sinha and Manoj ‘Bharat’ Kumar.

Produced and directed by Manoj Kumar, the film marked Dilip Kumar’s return to films after a gap of five years. Kranti, like Manoj’s other films, was in keeping with the actor-producer-director’s patriotic image. Set in 19th century British India, it told the story of two men – Dilip and Manoj – who lead the fight for independence. For Manoj, who had idolised Dilip and even named himself after the superstar’s character in Shabnam (1949), it was a dream come true to direct and act with someone he had admired so deeply. A multi-starrer in the true sense of the term, Kranti had a large cast including Hema Malini, Parveen Babi, Sarika, Shashi Kapoor, Prem Chopra, Madan Puri and Paintal among others. Shatrughan, who played a freedom fighter in the film, is best remembered from the song Chana Zor Garam More >

RK Films logo was Balasaheb’s design-Manoj Kumar

0
6 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

Bharati Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; November 19, 2012)

 

Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray and Manoj Kumar have been friends since 1967. The actor recalls, “Our first meeting happened at a felicitation function organised by the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) in 1967 at the Taj Hotel. He came towards me and put one of the garlands that was around his neck onto mine saying ‘It is because you made a film like Shaheed.” It was the beginning of a long friendship. “He often called me over to his place… We discussed cinema, politics and sports. We even went together to watch cricket matches.”

The actor was one of those with easy access to the ‘Tiger’s’ private den on the first floor of Matoshree. It was during one such visit that he told Thackeray to remove a statue placed inside the house as it was unlucky.

He says, “That statue was unlucky. It’s exit actually saw the rise of Shiv Sena after that.’’ Thackeray also came to Kumar’s rescue in times of trouble. He recalls, “The society in which I live right now was transferred in my name by my father. But, at that time, they were not ready to make the transfer. I was so troubled after the society’s annual general meeting that I called him (Thackeray) for help. He told me, ‘It’s late, go to sleep’. Next morning, a Shiv Sena jeep came to my doorstep and my work was done.’’

The actor doesn’t believe Thackeray played ‘Big Daddy’ to the film industry. He said, “Balasaheb was a straightforward and very blunt person. More >

Check out the premiere of Purab Aur Paschim

0
7 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

MUMBAI MIRROR (September 27, 2012)

 

In his heyday, the actor earned the moniker, Bharat Kumar. Not without reason for Manoj Kumar adopted the screen name Bharat in a couple of films with patriotic themes that he also produced and directed. The first such was his magnum opus, Upkaar, followed by his second project, Purab Aur Paschim. In this photograph captured by ace lensman Jagdish Aurangabadkar at the Mumbai premiere of Purab Aur Paschim on February 2, 1971, Manoj ‘Bharat’ Kumar is seen alongside his friend and co-star of quite a few films, Shashi Kapoor. Also in the frame are the actors’ wives, Shashi Manoj and Jennifer Shashi and the film’s music director Kalyanji of the Kalyanji-Anandji composer duo. Purab Aur Paschim, which literally translates as East and West, proved to be a huge success. As the name signifies, the movie juxtaposes the East (read: India) with all its moral values and idealism against the materialism and spiritual poverty of the West. A large part of the film was shot in London at the height of the ‘hippie’ phase. Manoj has captured both the beauty and the ugliness of the western world but the film did come under some criticism for its simplistic view of things. Playing prominent roles in the film are Manoj, Saira Banu as the cigarette-toting, mini skirtparading and hopelessly decadent girl who eventually falls for Bharat, Ashok Kumar, Kamini Kaushal, Pran and Prem Chopra among others. The film’s songs like Dulhan Chali and Bharat Ka Rehne Waala More >

Manoj Kumar to star in Kabuliwala

0
8 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

Samata Joshi (DNA; September 12, 2012)

Manoj Kumar DNA Research N Archives

Actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar, who recently celebrated his 75th birthday, has been approached by French-Afghan writer Atiq Rahimi for a contemporary take on the 1961 film, Kabuliwala. The movie was the big screen adaptation of author-poet Rabindranath Tagore’s acclaimed short story by the same name.

“Mr Rahimi wants me to act in the movie which will have the same script but will be set in the Afghanistan of today,” he smiles. When asked can we expect this film soon, he says, “Waqt se pehle aur kismet se zyada expect nahi karna chahiye. It’ll happen in due time.” Keeping the actor’s comfort in mind, the film will be shot in India. Kumar adds that the movie will have a universal appeal and will cater to audiences in both India and Afghanistan.

Known for his patriotic movies, the actor has earned the moniker of Mr Bharat. He was recently honoured by the ministry of information and culture of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for his contribution to cinema. “They came home and presented me with the award. It was like a token of love and respect for me and I am very touched,” says the veteran actor. “Receiving an award from a country that is itself going through turmoil is a big honour .”

Born in Abbottabad in the North-Western Frontier which is now in Pakistan, Kumar can also speak Pashto and has visited Afghanistan on a number of occasions. He is also looking forward to making films with his More >

2013 to see release of number of books on Indian cinema’s bigwigs

0
8 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

Garima Sharma (BOMBAY TIMES; September 5, 2012)

 

A few days before Rishi Kapoor’s 60th birthday, it came to light that the actor is working on his autobiography, to be released in 2013, chronicling four decades of his life. But, Kapoor is not the only one inking is life in black and white for his fans. From superstar Amitabh Bachchan, the iconic Rajinikanth to the cinematic genius Satyajit Ray, many of Bollywood’s big names are going to become the subject of books over the next year.

Autobiographies and biographies are top of the list for most publishers. There are soon going to be books on Shammi Kapoor, Mani Ratnam, Manoj Kumar, Guru Dutt and Shatrughan Sinha. Also one on Mohammed Rafi by his son, an Aamir Khan biography as well as Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty’s autobiography. That apart, a book on Satyajit Ray is being written by his wife Bijoya Ray. There is a book on Bollywood villain Ranjeet too in the pipeline.

Then there is a book being written on the entire Bachchan clan, and we hear that it may just have exclusive pictures of Abhishek-Aishwarya’s daughter Aaradhya.

Besides these, graphic novels and screenplays too are being picked up by readers. The script of Rishi-Dimple’s Bobby is being released soon, as is a book on the movie Amar Akbar Anthony, which will also feature its screenplay. Another genre being explored is that of graphic novels. There have already been such novels on Don 2 and Agent Vinod, and more in the future may not be ruled More >

Rajesh Khanna’s Aashirwad was haunted

0
9 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

Rajesh Khanna’s iconic bungalow that saw his meteoric rise followed by a shocking fall from grace, was at one time known to the locals as bhoot bangla before Rajendra Kumar bought it

Ali Peter John (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 24, 2012)

 

Sometime in the sixties, Carter Road was just a cluster of bungalows, mainly belonging to the East Indian community and Parsis. The only known bungalow facing the sea was Aashiyana built by the music director, Naushad, who had just tasted big success. There was another bungalow close to it; a two storeyed one in a decrepit and dilapidated state. People in the locality called it a haunted house aka bhoot bangla. There were no takers for it, and it stood there without anyone willing to buy it even when it was offered at dirt cheap prices.

A friend brought the existence of the bungalow to the notice of Rajendra Kumar, who was then a young man, a victim of the Partition, who had just landed in Mumbai and made a name for himself in the industry. He was willing to buy the bungalow but didn’t have enough money. He rushed to the well-known filmmaker B R Chopra and told him he was not only willing to do Kanoon (India’s first songless film) but also two other films if he were paid in advance. The kind-hearted Chopra paid him Rs 90,000 in cash. Rajendra found out who the owner of the bungalow was, and sealed a deal for just Rs. 60,000. He shifted there but not before consulting his best friend, actor Manoj Kumar. Now Manoj had heard of the bungalow being More >

Manoj Kumar turns 75 but won’t celebrate

0
9 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

Manoj Kumar was to bring in his 75th birthday today with a big bash, but called it off after the demise of Dara Singh and Rajesh Khanna

Parag Maniar (BOMBAY TIMES; July 24, 2012)

 

Veteran actor Manoj Kumar has cancelled his birthday celebrations today as a mark of respect to his late colleagues and friends — Dara Singh and Rajesh Khanna. The actor, who turns 75 today, has never celebrated his birthday in all these years but agreed to do so this year on his family’s insistence. Thus, a party was organised at a five-star hotel in the suburbs. Talking to BT, Kumar said, “My children wanted me to celebrate my birthday in a big way this time, but I’ve called off the party as a tribute to my friends Dara Singh and Rajesh Khanna. I had decided to cancel it when I’d heard of Dara passing away, but his son Vindu told me to go ahead with the celebration. But soon came the blow of Rajesh’s demise. I’m in no mood for celebration in this traumatic and gloomy ambience.” He adds, “I’d met Dara Singh eight months ago at his home. We’d caught up like old friends. I met Rajesh Khanna three months ago at an awards function. There was much gossip about his health then, but he’d said he was fine. They will both be deeply missed.”

Khanna and Kumar were also to do two films together but the projects fell through.

Salman-Big B attend Ferrari Ki Sawaari success party

0
11 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

Prem Chopra draws the industry together for his son-in-law’s moment of glory

Mehul S Thakkar (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 22, 2012)

 

The turnout at Prem Chopra’s Wednesday night party to celebrate the much-lauded performance of his son-in-law Sharman Joshi in Ferrari Ki Sawaari was impressive to say the least. Needless to say, this onscreen baddie has garnered a lot of goodwill in the industry. Amitabh Bachchan, Jeetendra and Tushar Kapoor were among the first to arrive, and left in some time after congratulating the team of Ferrari…

Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s excitement was palpable, so much so he was heard mouthing one-liners like: “I am drinking Vodka, what more can I ask for? I have a sea-facing house, what more can I ask for? I have a Mercedes parked outside, what more can I ask for?” He walked in with his wife Anupama but was later seen escorting her out. He was in such high spirits he evinced interest in working with some of the guests at the party, Ronit Roy and Salman Khan included.

Even as the excitement seemed to have dimmed down, Salman’s entry, two bodyguards in tow, fired up the atmosphere. No sooner did he arrive, the actor hugged Prem Chopra and Sharman Joshi, then seating himself down next to Manoj Kumar and chatting with the veteran actor for a good 10 minutes. Salman floated around for quite some time, meeting almost everyone present, including Randhir Kapoor, Boman Irani and Ramesh Taurani.

Also present were Saawan Kumar Tak, Vashu Bhagnani, Indra Kumar and Pritam. More >

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