Monty Nath once worked with: Manoj Kumar as his assistant for more than 8 years. The latter was also supposed to launch Nath into the film industry at that time; however, the opportunity never came. However, when he got the chance to star in ‘Prem Rog’, he consulted his mentor. Recalling his early days during a recent interview, Monty Nath opened up about how Manoj Kumar told him that he believed in him and pushed him to launch his career with ‘Prem Rog’.
Monty Nath on how he landed ‘Prem Rog’ because of Manoj Kumar and: Raj Kapoor
While talking to Vicky Lalwani on her latest talk show, actor Monty Nath weighed in on how he got his first film, ‘Prem Rog’, and how he originally starred in 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 body doubles or extras. He shared, “We did grounding training. He gave us exposure in front of the camera because he wanted to make a film with both of us, ‘Kakuri ke Shaheed.’“And he wanted me to do the role of Bhagat Singh,” he added, “But somehow it didn’t work out.”However, Nath assessed that the project did not happen, as he got a huge offer to be in front of the camera as one of the main cast members.He shared that he got his first role because of Raj Kapoor; however, it was Manoj Kumar’s motivation that gave him the strength to accept the role. He shared more details and added, “In 1980, I got married. So, I have to start. I can’t wait for him to launch me. I have to start. Hum log shooting karte ang udhar, RK ako, Raj Uncle (Raj Kapoor), set pe kabhi kabhi aate the. Toh unhe bola Raj Uncle ne, sa role hais chota.” Tu karega, usme, ‘Prem Rog’ when he was making” (We were shooting there, at RK, Raj Uncle (Raj Kapoor) sometimes came to the set. So he said to me, I have a little role 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 in a small way, don’t wait for that big day” (You should start, you have the talent).
Monty Nath talks about working with Manoj Kumar in ‘Kranti’
The multi-starrer film ‘Kranti’ is one of Manoj Kumar’s biggest films. At that time, Nath helped him in the film, which was one of his biggest successes at that time. Talking about the film, the former actor shared that, “Director Manoj Kumar did not compromise with producer Manoj Kumar. This is a big film.”He also shared that Dilip Kumar used to tell Manoj Kumar to stop shooting because he was tired. Monty Nath revealed that he is willing to do all this “Because he understands the mood of the actor, the soul; if he is not comfortable doing something, it will not come out the way I want, from the inside. I don’t want anything forced.”Monty Nath’s memoir offers a heartfelt glimpse into the generosity and mentorship of Manoj Kumar, whose words of encouragement not only shaped the actor’s confidence but also helped him take the first step towards a career that began with Raj Kapoor’s iconic ‘Prem Rog’.
