Monty Nath once worked with Manoj Kumar as his assistant for more than 8 years. The latter was also supposed to introduce Nath in the film industry at that time; however, the opportunity did not come. However, when he got an opportunity to star in ‘Prem Rog’, he discussed it with his mentor. Looking back on his early days in a recent interview, Monty Nath revealed how Manoj Kumar told him that he believed in him and forced him to start his career with ‘Prem Rog’.
Monty Nath how he reached “Prem Rog” for Manoj Kumar and Raj Kapoor
Speaking to Vicky Lalwani on her latest show, actor Monty Nath reflected on how he got his first film, ‘Prem Rog’, and how he got to watch Manoj Kumar’s film. During the interview, he revealed that in films like ‘Kranti’ and ‘Chana Jor Garam’, he, along with Kumar’s brother Rajive Kumar, often played two or more characters. He shared, “We were training in grounding. He was giving us exposure in front of the camera because he wanted to make a film with all of us, ‘Kakuri ke Shaheed.’“And they wanted me to play the role of Bhagat Singh,” he added, “But, somehow it didn’t work out.”However, Nath proved that the project was not done, as he ended up giving another big opportunity to go in front of the camera as one of the main cast members.She shared that she got her first role because of Raj Kapoor; however, it was Manoj Kumar’s encouragement that gave him the strength to accept the role. He shared more and added, “In 1980, I got married. So, I had to start. I couldn’t wait for him to start me. I had to start. Hum log shoot karte the udhar, RK me, Raj Uncle (Raj Kapoor), set pe kabhi kabhi aate the. Tu karega, usme, ‘Prem Rog’ when he was making” (We used to shoot there, at RK, Raj Uncle (Raj Kapoor) would sometimes come to the set. So he said to me, I have a little job for you, Monty. Will you do it.)He added that when he told Manoj Kumar about this opportunity, the famous director told him: “‘Chalu karo. Tume talent hai. You will succeed. We all started small, don’t wait for the big day “(You have to start, you have talent).
Monty Nath talks about working with Manoj Kumar in ‘Krant’
The multi-starrer ‘Kranti’ was one of Manoj Kumar’s biggest hits. At that time, Nath helped him in the film, which was one of his biggest projects at that time. Talking about the film, the veteran actor shared, “Director Manoj Kumar did not agree with producer Manoj Kumar. It was a very big film.”He also shared that Dilip Kumar often told Manoj Kumar to stop shooting because he was tired. Monty Nath revealed that he was ready to do all this “Because he understands how the actor feels, the spirit; if he is not comfortable doing something, it doesn’t come out the way I want, from the inside. I don’t want anything forced.”Monty Nath’s reminiscences provide a heartfelt glimpse into the generosity and mentorship of Manoj Kumar, whose words of encouragement not only built the actor’s confidence but also helped him land the first role in a career that began with Raj Kapoor’s picture ‘Prem Rog’.
