Veteran actor Manoj Joshi, known for his versatility across serious and comedic roles, has remained a consistent presence in the film industry. However, one of the most challenging chapters of his life came when he suffered a severe stroke during the shooting of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Devdas'. In a 2023 interview with Rajshri Unplugged, Joshi opened up about the health crisis and its long-lasting effects.
Manoj Joshi Recalls the Health Crisis
Joshi detailed the seriousness of the stroke, stating, “In 2001, I got ill. I had a stroke and I was on the hospital bed for one-and-a-half years. I fell ill during the shooting of Devdas. I was in a coma for four days, I lost my eyesight, I couldn’t see anything for 19 days. This is my rebirth. During that time in the hospital, my bank balance became zero and my wife took tuitions to support me.” The incident left him hospitalized for an extended period, with his health deteriorating significantly.
Wife’s Support During Recovery
During his prolonged recovery, Joshi credited his wife for standing by him and helping him navigate the crisis. As he battled health complications and financial challenges, her support played a key role in stabilizing their situation. The actor revealed that while he was unable to work and his savings were exhausted, his wife took up teaching to ensure the family could sustain itself. This phase, he has often indicated, reshaped his perspective on life and career.
Comeback and Career Revival
After recovering, Joshi gradually made his way back into the entertainment industry. His comeback began with television, which provided an opportunity to rebuild his career. Speaking about this turning point, he said, “Then in 2003, I got a chance to act in a TV show called 'Kehta Hai Dil'. I played the role of the main villain. I was supposed to star for only four days in the show, but it went on and on, and eventually, I became one of the lead actors. Later, I got a slew of films, including 'Hungama', 'Hul Chul', and I ended up doing 12 films with filmmaker Priyadarshan.”
In recent years, Joshi has appeared in films like 'Dream Girl 2' alongside Ayushmann Khurrana. His filmography includes over 70 Hindi films since 1998, such as 'Hamare Baarah', 'Ajmer 92', and 'Samrat Prithviraj'. His journey from a life-threatening health crisis to a successful career stands as a testament to his resilience and the unwavering support of his family.
