Afghanistan honour for Manoj Kumar

The ministry of information and culture of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, has honoured veteran actor-director Manoj Kumar with one of its highest civilian awards for his contribution to the world of cinema.

The ministry of information and culture of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, has honoured veteran actor-director Manoj Kumar with one of its highest civilian awards for his contribution to the world of cinema.

Bollywood-actor-Manoj-Kumar

Government representatives presented him with the award on Sunday at his residence.

“What makes me really happy is that a country that’s going through really tough times still remembers to honour me,” said 75-year-old Kumar. The Upkar actor has visited the country often.

“Whenever I have visited Afghanistan, I have spoken in Pashto. It’s like a second home to me,” he said.

When asked whether the Indian government has honoured him enough, Kumar said, “In 1992, I got a call from the then home minister SB Chavan to say I was getting the Padma Vibhushan. Later, I read in newspapers that I was to get the Padma Shri. Chavan told me due to internal politics, the Padma Vibhushan went to V Shantaram, whom I have a lot of respect for. He said ‘we will compensate next year’. I am still waiting for next year.”