A lover of patriotic films, actor and film-maker Manoj Kumar couldn't resist the temptation of inviting actor Shailesh Lodha (of Comedy Circus and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma fame) for a chat to his place for tea after he watched the actor's oratory skills on the Republic Day episode of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma on television.

So when Shailesh got a call from the maestro, the very next day he paid him a visit. Of course, it was a happy moment for the actor because Manoj went ga-ga over Shailesh's patriotic speech on national integration that he watched on the show. About his meeting with Manoj, the stand-up comedian reveals, "I touched his feet to take his blessings. We spoke about the films he had done, my poetry and about what is going on in the nation. He also told me that he's making a new movie soon. He even asked me to recite part of the impromptu speech that I had given on national integration on my show. We chatted for two-and-a-half hours at his place."

That apart, Manoj also encouraged the actor to continue writing and reciting poetry. For Shailesh, that was the greatest compliment he has received so far. He says with happiness, "When a big film-maker like Manoj Kumar appreciates and praises my work, it's worth more than any award for me. It's a great compliment to be appreciated by him."