When Manoj Kumar joined the cast of Aadmi after last minute exit of Dharmendra 


Aadmi gave Manoj Kumar an opportunity to work with his idol Dilip Kumar 


By Rajesh Ahuja 


The 1968 emotional drama Aadmi is remembered by film lovers for the great performances by Manoj Kumar and Dilip Kumar . 


However,  not many may be aware that Manoj Kumar’s was a last minute entry in the film after the sudden exit of Dharmendra,  who was to play the parallel lead in the film alongside Dilip Kumar. 



Manoj Kumar joined the cast of Aadmi after last minute exit of Dharmendra 




Writing about this in the biography of legendary actor Pran, Bunny Reuben said, 'the role that was played by Manoj Kumar in Aadmi,  directed by A Bhimsingh, was to have been played by Dharmendra.  But he had backed out at the last minute. ' 


Talking about the turn of events that led to entry of Manoj Kumar in Aadmi in Pran's biography 'and Pran',  Bunny Reuben said, 'what had happened was that Pran had helped out the film's producer Veerappa to get together the original cast of the film,  which had Dharmendra playing the parallel lead. 


But suddenly,  without giving any reason,  Dharmendra withdrew from the cast. Pran felt embarrassed since he was the one who had recommended Dharam's name. To solve the producer's problem,  Pran told Manoj, 'I want you to do this picture.  Thus Manoj came to join the cast of Aadmi. ' 


For Manoj Kumar,  doing Aadmi provided him an opportunity to work with his idol Dilip Kumar. 


Writing about this in the  book, Bunny Reuben said, 'Manoj Kumar acknowledges even today that he is an anabashed fan of Dilip Kumar and that Dilip Kumar himself to do the role in Aadmi. ' 


Manoj Kumar had some reservations about doing the role in Aadmi as he feared that he could be overshadowed by his idol. 


'Although acting with The Thespian(Dilip Kumar) would be a privilege beyond compare, Manoj Kumar knew fully well that he could easily be overshadowed by his idol, who was the very reason why he joined films in the first place, 'the writer says. 


Aadmi dealt with a grim theme _ the extent to which a young man,  who has been the recipient of a millionaire's largesse, goes to repay that generosity and kindness,  even at the cost of his own happiness. 


Produced by P  S Veerappa and directed by A. Bhimsingh, Aadmi stars Dilip Kumar, Waheeda Rehman, Manoj Kumar, Simi Garewal and Pran. 


The film's music is by Naushad. 


A  remake of the Tamil film 'Aalayamani', Aadmi is still  remembered  for  performances by Dilip Kumar and  Manoj Kumar.   it is also known for its dialogues by Akhtar ul Iman and cinematography by Faredoon A. Irani. 


Aadmi was a success at the box office.


Also Read 


Pran recommended Dev Anand to Prakash Mehra as hero  for Zanzeer 




When Rishi Kapoor turned down offer to do a guest appearance in Koi Mil Gaya 


When RD Burman sought Rishi Kapoor's help to get work in his films in 90s 




Tina Munim reflected an elfin charm on screen that was refreshingly modern for its time: Rishi Kapoor 






When Rishi Kapoor rejected a role offered by Salim Javed in Trishul 



Amrish Puri was offered villain's role in Raj Kapoor's Ram Teri Ganga Maili 



Historical web series Freedom at Midnight streaming on Sony Liv from November 15 



Rishi Kapoor had some reservations about doing Ramesh Sippy's Saagar 



When Jeetendra refused the offer to do Tinnu Anand's Shahenshah 



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