‘Put his head on my lap and started crying’: As Manoj Kumar passes away, a look back at his most emotional moment with Raj Kapoor; expert on impact of misunderstandings | Feelings News

Actors Raj Kapoor and Manoj Kumar shared a deep bond that went beyond their collaboration in the 1970 classic Mera Naam Joker. However, a misunderstanding once strained their relationship, leaving Raj Kapoor feeling that Manoj was avoiding him. 
The issue arose when Raj tried to call Manoj and was told he had dialled the wrong number. Manoj later clarified that he had been shooting in Mumbai and had never received the call. Recalling their emotional reconciliation in an old interview with Mumbai Mirror, he shared, “We met at 4 pm at (composer) Jaikishan’s residence, where I assured Raj saab that neither I nor my wife Shashi would dare discomfit him. I told him I was looking forward to working with not the showman but a karmayogi and went on to tell him about the earlier incident at Regal theatre in Delhi. Raj saab quietly heard me out, then put his head on my lap and started crying.”
Manoj Kumar, who passed away on April 4, 2025, at the age of 86, often spoke fondly of this moment as one of the most emotional in his life. Their mutual respect was evident during the making of Mera Naam Joker, when Raj Kapoor granted Manoj Kumar the rare freedom to rewrite his own scenes. Manoj recalled how Raj encouraged his creative input despite the presence of a well-renowned writer like KA Abbas.
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So, how do misunderstandings impact long-term personal and professional relationships, and what are the best ways to address them?
Jai Arora, counselling psycholog and co-founder of Kirana Counselling, tells , “Misunderstandings, when unresolved, create emotional dance, erode trust, and reinforce negative assumptions about others. Even though you are not consciously aware of them, these can actively affect how you perceive and behave around that person. According to Attribution Theory, people tend to assign intentions to others’ actions based on incomplete information, which can fuel resentment. In hory, wars have been fought over misunderstandings. In today’s day and age, this can negatively impact one’s personal and professional relationships.”
Their mutual respect was evident during the making of Mera Naam Joker, when Raj Kapoor granted Manoj Kumar the rare freedom to rewrite his own scenes. (Source: Express Photo)
Emotional vulnerability and clear communication are key for resolving misunderstandings, he notes. We often len to respond as quickly as possible, but we must len actively and first try to understand the other person’s perspective. “Similarly, CBT techniques encourage questioning assumptions to prevent misunderstandings from turning into permanent rifts. When Manoj Kumar assured Raj Kapoor of his goodwill, it provided emotional safety, allowing their bond to heal.”
What role does emotional intelligence play in leadership, especially when it comes to fostering creativity and collaboration?
Raj Kapoor’s emotional intelligence was pivotal in his leadership style, especially in his collaboration with Manoj Kumar during Mera Naam Joker. He demonstrated key EQ traits not just encouraging Manoj to rewrite his scenes, but handling their earlier misunderstanding with emotional maturity. 
Arora observes that emotional intelligence (EQ) is essential in leadership, as it shapes how a leader manages relationships, inspires others, and fosters innovation. “Daniel Goleman’s EQ model identifies self-awareness, empathy, and social skills as key leadership traits. Leaders with high EQ can deeply influence their teams creating emotionally engaging narratives, wherein creativity and collaboration towards a common goal thrives. They also offer understanding rather than confrontation,” he concludes.