Rajesh Kumar Talks About His Personal Bond With Manoj Kumar; Shares His First Meeting With the Legendary Actor
Veteran actor Manoj Kumar (1937–2025) passed away on April 4, leaving the entire film industry in deep sorrow. In a heartfelt chat with Pinkvilla, actor Rajesh Kumar, famous for playing Rosesh in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, opened up about his personal connection with Manoj Kumar and shared some special memories.
Rajesh revealed that Manoj Kumar was his college senior, and that’s how their bond began.
“My first interaction with him was back in 1999 or 2000, when I had just come to Mumbai. I went to a film party and saw Manoj Kumar sir sitting at a table. I walked up to him and said, ‘Sir, I’m new to this industry. Do you have any advice for me?’”
Manoj Kumar responded with a quote from the Bhagavad Gita:
“Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana, ma karma phala hetur bhur ma te sangostvakarmani,”
which means – Do your duty without worrying about the result.
Rajesh called it the best advice he had ever received. Later, during their college’s 100-year celebration, Rajesh learned that Manoj Kumar had seen his work on Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and had even praised his performance.
“He appreciated my acting and said people look up to me now. We had a long and very warm phone conversation. There was an unsaid bond between us.”
Rajesh also shared a touching and funny moment.
“A few years ago, Manoj sir visited our college in a wheelchair. He was sitting with the principal. Suddenly, the principal called me and said, ‘One of our super seniors wants to talk to you.’ I was shocked to hear it was Manoj Kumar sahab.”
Later, when Rajesh started his farming business, Manoj Kumar personally called him and asked if he could look after his land in Igatpuri.
“Sadly, because of Covid, I couldn’t visit his farmhouse. But we stayed in touch regarding it.”
Talking about his passing, Rajesh said,
“This feels like a personal loss. I’m not in Mumbai to say goodbye, but he lived a grand life. He made films that shaped our country, and that’s why he was called Bharat Kumar.”
He added a heartfelt tribute,
“The word Bharat includes Bhau (emotion), Raag (melody), and Taal (rhythm) – and all these were in Manoj Kumar sahab. His legacy will live on forever. Jai Hind to him. My deep respects and condolences to his family.”
According to reports, Manoj Kumar’s final rites will be held on April 5, 2025.
On the work front, Rajesh Kumar has acted in popular shows like Badi Door Se Aaye Hai, Yeh Meri Family, and is best known for his iconic role as Rosesh Sarabhai in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai.
Also Read: Manoj Kumar No More: Arjun Bijlani, Rajiv Adatia & TV Fraternity Mourn the Loss of a Legend!
