Sunny Deol recently unveiled the trailer for his latest film, Jaat. During the launch event, he paid heartfelt tribute to the special bond shared by his father, Dharmendra, and the late film veteran Manoj Kumar, who passed away on April 4.
Reflecting on their camaraderie, Sunny Deol revealed how Manoj Kumar and Dharmendra entered the film industry together. “Manojji came with our dad only. They both were together in the industry. He had always been a father figure for us, and I have always seen him with my father during childhood. My dad had a great connection with him,” Sunny commented.
He further expressed admiration for the type of films Manoj Kumar created, describing them as initiators of India’s tradition of patriotic cinema. Sunny recalled a touching story shared by his father about Manoj Kumar’s generosity during their early struggling days. “Before coming here, dad was telling me that when he was with Manojji in the early days, obviously they were struggling, jeb mein paise nahi hote the (he didn’t have any money). Manojji used to have money sometimes and whenever he went to buy clothes, he used to tell my dad, ‘Aa lele Dharam, tu vi lele do kameezaan.’ So, such a beautiful bond they had from that time onwards,” he fondly remembered.
Additionally, Sunny updated on his father’s health, reassuring fans about Dharmendra’s well-being after a minor cataract surgery. “Papa ekdum theek hain, cataract ka operation tha chotta tha, aisa kuch nahi,” he affirmed. Dharmendra had been seen sporting a bandage on his eye a couple of days before attending Manoj Kumar’s funeral.
Following Manoj Kumar’s passing due to heart-related issues, Dharmendra was present to bid farewell to his cherished friend. The deep connection and shared history between these iconic actors depict an era of Bollywood that was built on mutual respect and support, a testament to the lasting impression they have left behind.
