A Son Seeks an Actress’s Hand for His Father: The Untold Love Story of Director Manmohan Desai

In an extraordinary tale that seems straight out of a Bollywood movie, a son once played matchmaker for his widowed father, bringing a proposal himself to a renowned actress’s home. This unusual yet touching story involves one of Bollywood’s most celebrated filmmakers, Manmohan Desai.

Following the death of his first wife, Prabha, Manmohan Desai was left alone. Despite his success in cinema—with a career boasting 23 films, 15 of which were blockbusters, and records of multiple back-to-back Silver and Golden Jubilee hits—his personal life was marked by loss and solitude. Prabha passed away in 1979, at the peak of Desai’s career, leaving him broken. The only solace in his life was his son, Ketan Desai, who became his father’s emotional support.

Even though Manmohan returned to work, the pain of losing his life partner stayed with him. Noticing his father’s loneliness, Ketan grew increasingly concerned and wished to see Manmohan find happiness again. During this period, Manmohan Desai developed a soft spot for Bollywood actress Nanda. Although he never expressed his feelings to her directly, Ketan sensed his father’s affection.

Ketan then took a bold step, confiding in Nanda’s close friend, the legendary actress Waheeda Rehman. Recognizing the situation, Waheeda arranged a dinner for Manmohan and Nanda, giving them the opportunity to meet and understand each other better. Gradually, Manmohan Desai found the courage to confess his love to Nanda, and to his delight, she reciprocated his feelings.

In 1992, Manmohan Desai and Nanda got engaged, bringing joy to both families. However, fate had other plans. Before they could marry, Manmohan Desai tragically passed away after falling from his balcony. The incident devastated Nanda, who was deeply in love with him. Following the tragedy, Nanda never married and spent her remaining years living like a widow, devoted to the memory of her beloved.

This poignant love story remains one of Bollywood’s most touching anecdotes—a son’s heartfelt effort to bring companionship and happiness back into his father’s life.