Ashoke Pandit recalls telling Manoj Kumar about his Dadasaheb Phalke Award win: 'He had a fantastic sense of humour'

Producer Ashok Pandit was the first to inform Manoj Kumar about being selected for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015. As the world mourns the legendary actor’s passing on Friday, Ashok fondly recalls the special phone call he made that day.


Ashok Pandit remembers the late actor

In an interview with HT, Ashok Pandit, a close friend of Manoj Kumar, shared that he had been a regular visitor at the late actor’s home over the years. He recalled how he, Madhur Bhandarkar, and Anupam Kher would often visit and spend time chatting with him. “He couldn’t sit or stand properly because of a back injury,” Ashok said, adding that Manoj fondly called him “Pandit.”

Further he recalls with fondness and nostalgia in his voice and says, “I got to know early morning through my people in Delhi that he is going to get Dadasaheb Phalke award and immediately called him.”

Professional life
Manoj Kumar, who gave Indian cinema unforgettable films like 'Purab Aur Paschim' (1970), 'Kranti' (1981), 'Shor' (1972), and 'Upkar' (1967), was in disbelief when he heard the news.


Dadasaheb Phalke award news
The producer fondly recalled the moment he shared the news with Manoj Kumar about winning the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. “I called him and said, ‘You’ve got the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.’ He thought I was joking and said, ‘Kyu mazak kar raha hai?’” Ashok shared. Manoj was thrilled like a child and immediately said, “Abhi aaja, main mithai khilata hoon.” Ashok brought flowers along, calling it a truly special and unforgettable moment.

Close bond
Now, in a world without the legendary Manoj Kumar, Ashok feels thankful for having had the chance to be close to such an iconic star. He said, “I feel so fortunate that as someone who used to stand outside his house in my college days, I got the chance to tell him about his award. It’s a great loss to me. You can’t produce such actors. I am very fortunate that I was regularly in touch with him otherwise I would have really regretted it."

Manoj's cinematic journey
Manoj Kumar, who passed away at 87, was not only a legendary actor but also a talented director and editor with a deep love for cinema. He had a sharp eye and would closely observe and analyze every film he watched.

Pandit remembered how Manoj Kumar would often share his thoughts on why a film succeeded or failed, engaging in detailed discussions with friends. He said they all admired Manoj's work and often asked him how he created some of the most iconic scenes in his films.

He revealed a beautiful memory, “He had a fantastic sense of humour. He narrated how once Dharmendra played a prank with Dimple Kapadiya and she complained to Rajesh Khanna. Dharmendra went to Manoj’s house and hid. Manoj ji called Rajesh Khanna to his house and ensured inki dosti ho jaaye! That was the kind of a man that he was!”






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