Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 5, 2017)

On October 2, Asha Parekh turned 75, and Manoj Kumar, who worked with her in four films — Apna Bana Ke Dekho (1962), Do Badan (1966), Upkar 1967) and Saajan (1969) — informs that back in ’57–’58, they were part of a group called ‘Stars of Tomorrow’, being promoted by the then Filmfare editor L P Rao, J C Jain, general manager of the Times of India, and Gulshan Ewing, editor of Femina. They would meet at functions and photo sessions.

Asha got the hit she was looking for with Nasir Hussain’s ’59 romcom, Dil Deke Dekho. She consolidated her position with Ghunghat, Jab Pyaar Kisi Se Hota Hai, Gharana and Chaya, while Manoj Kumar continued to struggle for his big break till producer Jagdish Nirula, who considered Asha his sister, came to him with Apna Bana Ke Dekho. “I got the film on her recommendation and remain obliged to her,” admits Manoj, who five years later, went to her with the role of Dr Kavita in Upkar, his first official directorial, which was inspired by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s, ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’.

“I went to her residence with my wife, Shashi. She was packing for Kashmir, for the shoot of Jawan Mohabbat, and immediately gave her consent even though it wasn’t her usual singing– dancing kind of role. I’m not sure if she enjoyed doing the film. She certainly didn’t understand my need to drive 25–30 km to catch a sunrise. I never saw the shadow of a frown between her brows but I’ve never heard her speak about Upkar. She didn’t attend the premiere despite repeated requests. Maybe, as she said, she was busy. Once she made a commitment, Asha never went back on it,” he muses.

He recalls, when they were filming in Delhi, Marlon Brando had come to India and was staying at a five-star hotel close by. He called Brandon and they had a long chat during which Manoj Kumar invited the legendary Hollywood actor to his shoot. Brando had a meeting with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi the next day and did not know when he’d be called for it. But he promised Manoj that he’d drop by the day after.

“I requested Asha that instead of shooting the following day as planned we continue the day after, in the presence of our special guest. She refused, saying she had already committed to a dance performance on that day and flew off to Mumbai. We missed Brando but I appreciate that she doesn’t go back on a commitment, for anyone,” he says.

There are no hard feelings, only warmth, the Dadasaheb Phalke awardee insists, as working with a professional like Asha was always a pleasure. “She was the only one who called to wish me on the night of my wedding in Delhi and invited Shashi and me for lunch back in Mumbai. My wife and she continue to be friends and she’s like family,” the actor– filmmaker says, recalling their vigil at Nanavati Hospital years ago. “My father was unwell and her mother was ailing. She’d walk the corridors anxiously through the night. Her parents were always very warm and we met for lunch three to four times. During Upkar, I remember she was raising money for the Asha Parekh Hospital,” Manoj says.

The Asha Parekh Hospital bid ‘Sayonara’ on September 30. But buzz is, Asha has plans to start it again. Till then, it’s cheers from Mr Bharat on a platinum jubilee to a woman who heralded spring with him in the song “Aayi Jhoom Ke Basant” in his iconic patriotic drama, Upkar.