Manoj Kumar Passes Away Live Update: President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi pay a tribute to Bharat Kumar’s legacy
A star gone too soon
Born Harikrishna Giri Goswami on July 24, 1937, Manoj Kumar rose to prominence in the golden era of Bollywood. His films, often infused with strong nationalistic sentiments, resonated deeply with audiences, making him an emblem of patriotism in Indian cinema.
Kumar’s journey in the film industry began in the late 1950s, but it was ‘Shaheed’ (1965)—a film based on the life of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh—that established him as a powerhouse performer. He continued his patriotic streak with landmark films like ‘Upkar’ (1967), ‘Purab Aur Paschim’ (1970), ‘Roti Kapda Aur Makaan’ (1974), and ‘Kranti’ (1981). His portrayal of selfless, idealistic characters made him one of the most revered actors of his time.
Apart from his patriotic films, Kumar also showcased his versatility in films like ‘Hariyali Aur Raasta,’ ‘Woh Kaun Thi,’ ‘Himalay Ki God Mein,’ ‘Do Badan,’ ‘Patthar Ke Sanam,’ and ‘Neel Kamal.’ His ability to balance romance, drama, and social messages made him a legend in Bollywood.
A true visionary: Actor, director, and storyteller
Beyond acting, Manoj Kumar was a successful filmmaker. His directorial debut, ‘Upkar’ (1967), was inspired by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.’ The film became a massive success and established him as a director who could blend entertainment with a strong message.
His films often highlighted issues like economic disparity, social injustice, and national pride. ‘Roti Kapda Aur Makaan’ (1974) was a bold take on the struggles of the common man, while ‘Kranti’ (1981) was a grand historical drama that showcased India’s fight for independence.
Industry mourns the loss of a legend
The news of Manoj Kumar’s demise has left the Indian film industry and his admirers heartbroken. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit expressed his grief, saying, “The legendary Dadasaheb Phalke award winner, our inspiration, and the ‘lion’ of the Indian film industry, Manoj Kumar Ji is no more… It is a great loss to the industry, and the entire fraternity will miss him deeply.”
Awards and recognitions
Manoj Kumar’s contributions to Indian cinema were widely recognized and celebrated. He was honored with the Padma Shri in 1992, one of India’s highest civilian awards. In 2015, he received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honor in Indian cinema, for his outstanding contribution to the film industry.
The end of an era
Manoj Kumar was last seen on the big screen in ‘Maidan-e-Jung’ (1995). Though he stepped away from active filmmaking, his films continue to inspire generations of actors, filmmakers, and cinephiles.
Rest in peace, Bharat Kumar.
