Had a complicated working relationship with actress
Asha Parekh. They started out in films in the late 1950s, but she became a huge star before he did. She used her influence to have him cast as her hero in
Apna Banake Dekho (1962), even though he was still an unknown. During production, she encouraged his interest in writing and directing as well. The film didn't do well, but Asha agreed to work with him again in
Do Badan (1966), and the film became a hit. Impressed with her acting ability, he cast her in
Upkar (1967), where he was not only the hero but also the writer and director. He shushed Asha when she complained about the number of takes for a very early morning shot. She got upset and stopped talking to him. Nevertheless, Manoj thought she looked beautiful in the film. She didn't attend the film's premiere, even though the film's critical and box office success raised her asking price. However, she agreed to act with Manoj in their last film together
Sajan (1969) at which time they started talking again. In 2009, she referred to him as a "very intelligent person". And in 2012, he attended her 70th birthday party, where he held her hands publicly. It was considered a big deal, since he was famous for keeping a physical distance from all his heroines out of respect for his wife Shashi. No matter how complicated the professional relationship was, Asha always maintained a private friendship with Manoj and his wife that lasted close to 60 years. In 2017, he fondly remembered her: "She was the only one who called to wish me on the night of my wedding in Delhi and invited Shashi and me for lunch back in Mumbai. My wife and she continue to be friends and she's like family".
