Pakistan's Former Athletes Honor the Remarkable Manoj Kumar

Synopsis

Former cricket and hockey players from Pakistan have honored the late Manoj Kumar, renowned Bollywood actor, and director, remembering him as a kind and knowledgeable figure who welcomed them during their visits to India. His legacy of hospitality continues to resonate among those he touched.

Key Takeaways

Manoj Kumar was remembered for his hospitality.
He had a profound knowledge of cricket.
Kumar's generosity left a lasting impact.
He maintained strong ties with his hometown of Abbottabad.
His films and contributions to Bollywood are celebrated.

New Delhi, April 7 (NationPress) Former cricket and hockey players from Pakistan have offered heartfelt tributes to the iconic Bollywood actor and director Manoj Kumar, recalling him as someone extremely hospitable and intellectual during their meetings with him on past tours to India.

Manoj Kumar passed away in Mumbai on April 4 after a prolonged illness, and his demise was mourned across the border.

Kumar was originally from the picturesque town of Abbottabad in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, where he was born before the 1947 partition, later migrating to India to establish a successful career in Bollywood.

Former Pakistan pacer Sikander Bakht shared that he never met Kumar, yet he will always cherish his act of generosity and warmth.

"When I achieved eight wickets in the Delhi Test of 1979, Manoj Kumar Saheb sent a cake to congratulate me for my accomplishment. It was a gesture of kindness that I will always remember, even though I didn't meet him on that tour," Bakht told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net).

Another former player, Iqbal Qasim, acknowledged Kumar's generous nature.

"Kumar Saheb hosted the team for dinner during the 1987 tour, and his generosity and kindness are always remembered by the players," Qasim stated.

"He (Kumar) had extensive knowledge about cricket and certain Pakistan players, which impressed us with his passion for the game."

Kumar cherished fond memories of his childhood home in Abbottabad. In 1979, he returned to his hometown, bringing back famous pastries for his mother and water from the city for his father.

He also cast the renowned Pakistani hero Mohammad Ali in his Bollywood film "Clerk" in 1989, featuring a star-studded cast including Rekha, Anita Raj, Shashi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar, Ashok Kumar, Prem Chopra, and Sonu Walia.

Residents of Abbottabad sent their condolences to his family through Telecom Asia Sport.

"We are deeply saddened by the news of his passing and extend our condolences to his family," stated Moeen-uddin Qureshi. "He visited his hometown around 40 years ago, and it was a momentous occasion for the entire city. He was like a member of our family."

Former hockey captains Islahuddin and Sami Ullah also reminisced about Kumar's hospitality during the Pakistan hockey team's tour in 1978.

"Kumar Saheb and Duleep Kumar Saheb invited us to their studios, where we watched filming and enjoyed delicious meals," Islahuddin narrated to www.telecomasia.net.

Sami Ullah, famously known as the flying horse for his quick sprinting, described Kumar as a legend.

"We had seen his films like Daag and Clerk, so meeting him was awe-inspiring. However, he was humble and intellectual, knowing much about field hockey and some of our players," Sami recalled.

"We observed the filming of 'Burning Train' and engaged in discussions about his hometown of Abbottabad, field hockey, cricket, and Bollywood. He was an incredible person."