Indian is mourning the loss of veteran actor and director Manoj Kumar, popularly known as ‘Bharat Kumar.’ The actor passed away at the age of 87 on Friday at 3:30 AM at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He was known for his patriotic films and immense contributions to the entertainment industry. His demise has been called the greatest loss to the entertainment industry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief over the demise of legendary actor. He wrote on X, “Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. He was an icon of Indian cinema, who was particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was also reflected in his films. Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”
About Manoj Kumar
Kumar was born as Harikrishna Giri Goswami in 1937 in Lahore’s Abbottabad, in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. He grew up in a refugee in Delhi with his family. Kumar moved to Mumbai in 1956 and made his cinematic debut with film ‘Fashion’ in 1957, where he played a 90-year-old beggar. Kumar was known for his acting prowess and the range of films he did. He delivered several hits in the early stages of his career. Hariyali Aur Rasta, Woh Kaun Thi, Gumnaam, Do Badan and Himalaya Ki God Mein being some unforgettable films of the legendary actor.
His stature in the industry rose when he played Bhagat Singh in the movie ‘Shaheed.’ It is considered one of his finest films and a memorable role. He later admitted that he practically directed the film.
“Kya karna hai? Interest yahi tha ki film complete ho. I have always been involved in my films and that is how I gathered the confidence to make more films,” he had said in an interview to Mid-day.
How PM Shastri’s ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ Inspired Kumar
There are many stories about him, but the most interesting is his connection with the late former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. Kumar made his directorial debut with ‘Upkar.’ This was the film which he made at the request of PM Shastri and his call of ‘Jai Jawaan Jai Kisaan.’ The song from this movie, “Mere Desh ki Dharti” is one of the super-hit songs of his career. It continues to resonate and is considered one of the best patriotic songs, which is often synonymous with love for India.
The movie ‘Upkar’ set in the backdrop of Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, depicts village life and contributions of farmers and soldiers to India. The movie was highly acclaimed and won multiple Filmfare Awards for best film, best director, best story, best dialogue, and best lyrics.
Kumar in an interview described how he got inspired to make the film and how former PM Shashtri had influence in the making of ‘Upkar.’
Kumar told Rediff.com, “I never intended to be a director in the first place. I became one by default when during Shaheed I had to direct the film unofficially. Then Lal Bahadur Shastri raised the slogan of Jai Jawan Jai Kisan. That’s how I made Upkar,”
Bharat Kumar’s Patriotism, Sold House For Films
He was nicknamed Bharat Kumar for the patriotic films he directed and acted in. Kumar didn’t make patriotic films just for the sake of making them; he lived those films and directed them with such devotion that he even sold his own land and properties.
“Patriotism is in my blood. I have inherited the spirit of patriotism and love for literature from my father and the right religious and moral values from my mother Krishna Kumari Goswami,” he told The Times of India.
On being called ‘Bharat Kumar,’ Manoj once said, “Bharat ka to taaj yeh jo bharatwashiyon ne mujhe pehnanya hai woh filmon aur vyaktigat jeewan mein nibhana bahot bada bhoj aur zimmedari hai. Yeh bada upkar hai unka mujpar. Main kitna safal aur asafal hua, woh mere deshwashi jante hai. Main ek sadharan sa nagrik hoon.”
