Meet The Filmmaker Who Gave Amitabh Bachchan Nine Blockbusters, Found Love Again with Actress Nanda Before His Tragic Death
 

Manmohan Desai, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated filmmakers, was born on February 26, 1937, in Mumbai. Known for directing blockbusters, Desai collaborated with Amitabh Bachchan to deliver nine superhits, including Amar Akbar Anthony and Coolie. Throughout his career, he made 23 films, with 15 of them becoming massive hits, establishing him as one of Bollywood's most successful directors.

His Cinematic Journey and Collaborations

Desai’s directorial debut starred Bollywood legends such as Raj Kapoor, Nutan, and Pran. His second film, Bluff Master, featured Shammi Kapoor and Saira Banu. He went on to work with some of the biggest names in Indian cinema, including actresses like Rekha, Mumtaz, Sharmila Tagore, and Hema Malini, among others. His filmography remains iconic in Bollywood history.

Manmohan Desai’s Personal Life and Tragedy

Desai’s personal life saw its share of love and heartbreak. He fell in love with his neighbor, Prabha, and despite opposition from their families, they eventually got married and had a son, Ketan. Tragically, Prabha passed away in 1979, leaving Desai heartbroken. His son Ketan, seeing his father in despair, encouraged him to return to filmmaking. This support helped Desai make a comeback with films like Desh Premi and Coolie, once again proving his directorial brilliance.

Ketan’s Role in His Father’s Life and Manmohan’s Love for Nanda

After his wife’s death, Ketan Desai played a pivotal role in helping his father rebuild his life. Knowing his father admired actress Nanda, Ketan reached out to actress Waheeda Rehman, who helped bring them closer. Manmohan Desai eventually confessed his feelings to Nanda, and in 1992, they got engaged. However, they never married, as fate intervened.

The Tragic Death of Manmohan Desai

In 1994, just two years after his engagement to Nanda, Manmohan Desai met a tragic end. He died after falling from the balcony of his Girgaon home in Mumbai when the railing gave way. His sudden death shocked the film industry and left Nanda devastated, bringing an end to a promising new chapter in his life.