Although Amitabh Bachchan is now regarded as a legendary superstar, there was a period when he faced a series of box office failures, leading to a lack of interest from directors in casting him. It was Manoj Kumar who believed in his talent and cast him in the film Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. Veteran actor Manoj Kumar played a crucial role in revitalizing Amitabh Bachchan’s career.
In the 1970s, Amitabh Bachchan experienced a succession of nine unsuccessful films, including debut Saat Hindustani (1969), Reports indicate that he even contemplated leaving Mumbai due to his frustrations. Nevertheless, Manoj Kumar’s support was instrumental in steering Amitabh Bachchan’s career back on course. He took a chance on the actor by offering him a role in Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), which ultimately became a major success at the box office.
In another instance, Amitabh Bachchan’s film “Don” was initially labeled a failure during its opening week. The film’s director then screened it for Manoj Kumar, who suggested that the film felt too constrained and required a musical number amidst the action sequences. Consequently, the song “Khaike Paan Banaraswala” was incorporated into the film. Within a week of its addition, the song gained immense popularity, leading to positive word-of-mouth. As a result, by the second week, the film’s prospects dramatically improved, and it was ultimately recognized as a blockbuster.
Manoj Kumar had expressed in an interview, “Despite the ridicule Amitabh faced due to his setbacks, I always believed he would rise to become a major star.” This assertion by Manoj Kumar ultimately proved accurate, as Amitabh Bachchan has since emerged as a megastar in the industry, dominating the entertainment scene for more than fifty years.
The esteemed actor and director Manoj Kumar, who passed away on April 4, was cremated with full state honors on Saturday, April 5, in Mumbai. Family and close friends gathered at his home to offer a heartfelt farewell to the beloved ‘Bharat Kumar’ of Indian film.
His wife, Shashi Goswami, son Kunal Goswami, and other close relatives were present to pay their final respects during the ceremonial state honors. Along with notable Bollywood figures Megastar Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek Bachchan were also present to pay their final respects at the crematorium in Juhu
