Veteran actor Manoj Kumar once called Dharmendra and Shashi Kapoor "greedy", said, "I've done hardly 35 films"

Manoj Kumar was an actor and a filmmaker

Veteran Indian actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar passed away at the age of 87 on Friday. He took his last breath at Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. The legendary actor was renowned for his patriotic films and has left an indelible mark on Hindi cinema.

Despite his immense contributions to the industry, he chose to work in fewer films compared to many of his contemporaries. He has previously insisted that he isn’t "greedy" to star in more films, unlike other actors such as Dharmendra or Shashi Kapoor.

During an old interview with Subhash K Jha, Manoj Kumar then took a slight dig at competitors when he was asked why he hadn't done more number of films. The late actor said at the time, "I am not a greedy film person even as an actor. While my contemporaries Dharmendra and Shashi Kapoor acted in nearly 300 films each, I've done hardly 35 films in my entire career.”

However, Manoj Kumar also reflected on how he graced the director's chair by default. He said, “I never intended to be a director in the first place. I became one by default when, during Shaheed, I had to direct the film unofficially. Then Lal Bahadur Shastri raised the slogan of Jai Jawan Jai Kisan. That’s how I made Upkar. I give credit for my success to my parents."

Also View: Remembering late Manoj Kumar's works and legacy

For the unversed, actor and director Manoj Kumar, fondly known as ‘Bharat Kumar,’ made his last on-screen appearance in 1995's Maidan-E-Jung and directed his final film, Jai Hind, in 1999.

His iconic filmography includes classics like Shaheed (1965), Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974).

Manoj Kumar's passing has left a significant void in the Indian film industry. His son, Kunal Goswami,  confirmed to ANI that the actor's last rites will be performed on Saturday, April 5, at 11 AM at Pawan Hans in Mumbai. Before that, the late actor's body will be kept at his residence, Goswami Towers, at 10 am for the final tribute.