Monty Nath once worked Manoj Kumar as his assistant for more than 8 years. The latter was also 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. Looking back to his early days during a recent interview, Monty Nath recounted how Manoj Kumar told him that he believed in him and pushed him to launch his career with ‘Prem Rog’.
Monty Nath on how ‘Prem Rog’ landed because of Manoj Kumar and Raj Kapoor
While talking to Vicky Lalwani on his latest talk show, actor Monty Nath talked about how he got his first film ‘Prem Rog’ and how he was supposed to star 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 were training on the ground. He gave us exposure in front of the camera because he wanted to do a film with both of us, ‘Kakuri ke Shaheed’.”And I wanted him to play the role of Bhagat Singh,” he added, “But somehow it didn’t work out.”However, Nath felt that the project did not materialize as he ended up receiving another major offer to stand in front of the camera as one of the main cast members.She shared that she got her first role thanks to Raj Kapoor; however, it was Manoj Kumar’s encouragement that gave him the strength to accept the role. Sharing more details, he added, “In 1980, I got married. So I had to start. I couldn’t wait for him to launch. I had to start. Hum log shooting karte the udhar, RK me, Raj Uncle (Raj Kapoor), set pe kabhi kabhi aate the. Tu karega, usme, ‘Prem Rog’ when I was doing” (We used to shoot there, in RK, Raj Uncle (Raj Kapoor) sometimes came to the set. So he said, I have a little role for you, Monty. You will.)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 the talent).
Monty Nath talks about working with Manoj Kumar in ‘Kranti’
The multi-starrer film ‘Kranti’ was one of Manoj Kumar’s biggest films. Nath had then assisted her in the film, which was one of her biggest hits at the time. Talking about the film, the former actor shared that “Director Manoj Kumar did not compromise with producer Manoj Kumar. It was such a 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 willing to do all this “Because I understood the state of mind of the actor, the soul, if he is not comfortable doing something, it will not come the way I wanted, coming from within. I don’t want anything forced.”Monty Nath’s recollection offers a candid insight 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’.