Manoj recalled his meeting with former West Indies cricketer Vivian Richards during his struggling days and how Richards' advice changed Manoj's outlook towards life. In a conversation with a YouTuber, Manoj explained how only a great person can admire another great person and acknowledge their success. He recalled meeting Vivian Richards for the first time and how Richards so lovingly refused to accept that he was the best cricketer in the world.
Manoj said, I met Vivian Richards at Mahesh Bhatt's house. I took his autograph. I was looking for work in the film industry at that time. Bhatt sir loved me very much so I used to go to his house often. During our meeting, I told Vivian, 'I think you are the best player in the world. Although I was a fan of Sunil Gavaskar at that time.' He said, 'No, Sunil Gavaskar is the best player in the world. Manoj said, 'How can you say this? I think I am second.' Then Richards told me a very important thing. He said that even though he was part of the best team in the world, Sunil Gavaskar played against all the best bowlers, scored many centuries and had such a long career. Manoj says that only Richards could say this. Bollywood actress Neena Gupta and Vivian Richards were in a relationship in the 80s. Neena gave birth to daughter Masaba Gupta when she was in a relationship with Richards, who was already married to someone else.