Dharmendra and Manoj Kumar's Lifelong Friendship: A Bollywood Story of Camaraderie

In the early days of Bollywood, the industry was not just about work and competition, but also about deep friendships that stood the test of time. One such bond was between veteran stars Dharmendra and the late Manoj Kumar.

During the trailer launch of his film 'Jaat' earlier this year, actor Sunny Deol shared a touching story about his father, Dharmendra's friendship with Manoj Kumar. Sunny recalled how Manoj Kumar was like a father figure to them, and how the two actors had a great connection since their struggling days in the industry. Dharmendra had told Sunny about how Manoj Kumar would sometimes lend him money to buy clothes when they didn't have enough.

Manoj Kumar, lovingly called "Bharat Kumar," passed away in April 2025 at the age of 87. He was known for his deep love for the country and his powerful patriotic films, which made his name synonymous with "deshbhakti" in Indian cinema. Sunny's memories not only celebrated his father's friendship but also paid a tribute to the late actor.

Even at 89, Dharmendra continues to show his passion for acting. He was last seen in the 2024 film 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya' and is set to appear in the upcoming 'Ikkis,' directed by Sriram Raghavan, scheduled for release on December 25, 2025.