Manoj Kumar stands as a prominent figure in Bollywood, celebrated for his portrayals in patriotic roles and films, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. Below are some lesser-known details about his life and career:
Manoj Kumar, originally named Harikishan Goswami, was an ardent admirer of Dilip Kumar, adopting his screen name from a character in the film Shabnam. He also held Ashok Kumar and Kamini Kaushal in high regard. Remarkably, he had the opportunity to direct all three of these esteemed actors: Dilip Kumar in Kranti, Ashok Kumar in Purab aur Paschim, and Kamini Kaushal in Upkaar.
His breakthrough as a leading actor came with the film Hariyali aur Rasta, directed by Vijay Bhatt, the father of Mahesh Bhatt, following a string of unsuccessful projects. This triangular love story not only became a commercial success but also featured a highly popular soundtrack.
After Raj Kapoor, Manoj Kumar was the second actor for whom Mukesh recorded the highest number of songs, totaling around 47, as his voice complemented Kumar’s on-screen presence perfectly.
While he is primarily recognized for his patriotic films, he also starred in several successful thrillers that remain popular today, with Woh Kaun Thi, directed by Raj Khosla, being a notable cult classic.
His portrayal of Bhagat Singh in the film Shaheed (1965) garnered significant acclaim, leading then-Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri to request that he create a film centered on the theme of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan.” Due to his memorable performances in patriotic films, he is often referred to as ‘Bharat Kumar.’ This nickname was further cemented by his roles in Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Kranti (1981), where he embodied characters that represented nationalism and pride for India.
Upkaar also marked his directorial debut, during which he first adopted the name Bharat, a title he would continue to use in subsequent films. The song “Mere Desh Ki Dharti” from this movie remains popular to this day. Additionally, Pran received a significant break from his typical villain roles by portraying Malang Chacha in this film, earning a Filmfare Award for his performance.
He was among the few stars who remained unaffected by Rajesh Khanna’s ascent to superstardom in the 1970s, consistently delivering successful films such as Purab Aur Paschim, Be Imaan, Roti Kapda aur Makaan, Sanyasi, and Dus Numbri. He skillfully balanced serious dramas with conventional action films. His work in Shor provided a poignant exploration of the father-son dynamic.
Manoj Kumar held a firm dislike for portraying negative characters. Although he received offers for such roles early in his career, he consistently chose to embody strong, positive figures. This commitment to a clean, heroic persona became one of his defining characteristics.
Also Read: Manoj Kumar, The Indian Actor, Director and Filmmaker, Has Passed Away At The Age of 87 In Mumbai
