The Hindu : New Delhi News : A trip down memory lane

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Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008
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A trip down memory lane

Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

Making a point: Veteran Bollywood actor, director and producer Manoj Kumar interacting with media in New Delhi on Monday.

Known as the patriotic face of Indian cinema, veteran actor Manoj Kumar on Monday said he was saddened by the fact that earlier generation actors are not being remembered by the film industry these days.

During a public interface at India Habitat Centre where a retrospective of his films culminated with the screening of “Shor”, Mr. Kumar compared the sagging fortunes of yesteryear actors with a racing horse. “When a thoroughbred hors e is winning and making money for its owners, it is pampered. But the moment the horse starts losing it is shot dead. I am saddened by the fact that the industry doesn’t acknowledge the towering actors of an earlier generation.”

Pointing out that there was also a time in the film industry when talent was recognised and revered by everyone, Mr. Kumar recalled: “I remember quite clearly that during the silver jubilee of Hindi cinema, Prithviraj Kapoor noticed a very talented man standing among the large gathering. He quickly went up to Dada Saheb Phalke and exhorted them to share the dais with him.”

Taking a trip down the memory lane, the actor whose cinema encompassed jingoistic dialogues and melodious songs, said: “I recall my meeting with our great leader Lal Bahadur Shastri. Death crudely snatched him quite early, I wish he was alive today. He was to come for only ten minutes for the premier of ‘Shaheed’, but we coaxed him to see more of the movie. After the film got over, he told me that it transported him to his childhood days. He told me to make a film on the theme of ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’. His words were so inspiring and encouraging, I immediately touched his feet. There are some people who really inspire you to take up a cause.”

Habitat Film Club had organised a retrospective of his movies this month to celebrate the spirit of Independence and salute his outstanding contribution to Hindi cinema.

Madhur Tankha

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