Producer Prerna Arora has the fondest memories of her interaction with the late Manoj Kumar, who died at age 87 today.
“As a huge fan, it was my sincere wish to remake one of his most popular films Woh Kaun Thi?. I was told he would not like the idea as he doesn’t believe in remakes. But I was adamant. When I contacted him he was so warm and welcoming, and encouraging, and so knowledgeable. He was an encyclopaedia on Indian cinema. Just listening to him was like reliving the golden era of our cinema,” says Prerna feelingly.
The remake of the Manoj Kumar starrer Woh Kaun Thi? was to star Shahid Kapoor in Manoj Kumar’s role.
“Sadly, the project never took off. But I got a chance to interact with one of the most brilliant minds in the film industry. As an actor, Manoj Sir was the handsomest and most adorable. I can watch him any number of times in Woh Kaun Thi?, Gumnam, Hariyali Aur Raasta, Dus Numbri and Purab Aur Paschim. He and Dharam Paji are the handsomest actors in India. As a filmmaker, Manoj Sir was on par with the greats like Raj Kapoor and Mehboob Khan. The songs on his films are to die for,” swoons Prerna.
As for Manoj Kumar’s downfall, Prerna asks, “Why bring it up? Everyone has their ups and downs. Even God. Why not focus on Manoj Sir’s vast achievements rather than lean into the lean phase?”
