When Manoj Kumar spoke about his journey, saying, “I made mistakes, not blunders”
The incomparably accomplished Manoj Saab shared many unrevealed incidents with me over the years. In one of my last conversations with him, I asked why he hadn’t directed a film in so long. “I haven't been able to make any films because of my back problem. Sadly, I no longer have the comfort of working with Manoj Kumar the actor. He was capable of telling home truths in the most understated manner. Now I have to choose from today’s stars. But Akshay Kumar respects me. In his film Namastey London with Katrina Kaif, he said, ‘If you want to know what India all is about, take a look at a DVD of Purab Aur Paschim and you’ll know.’ In fact, Purab Aur Paschim is the mother of many subsequent films.” Manoj Saab revealed he had an eye for talent: “Do you know, in Shor, when Sharmila Tagore dropped out—she was supposed to play my wife, a role that eventually went to Nanda—I had offered the part to Smita Patil. She politely told me she wasn’t interested in acting at that point.” He also re...