By Manoj Kumar, a superstar, compelling actor, and passionate filmmaker who created his own brand of fervour and nationalism, left for his heavenly abode earlier this month in Mumbai at the age of 87. He suffered a heart attack along with age-related complications. His last on-screen appearance was in “Maidan-E-Jung” (1995).
Hai Preet Jaha Ki Reet Sada…
With a career spanning six decades, 55 films, a Padma Shree and Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Manoj Kumar has left behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come. He will be remembered fondly as a resolute man with a strong moral compass who instilled nationalistic ardour in his fans through his films. He even earned the moniker “Bharat Kumar” for his undying commitment to patriotic themes. Manoj went on record to admit that he refused to do romantic scenes on screen after receiving this title!
Born Harikrishan Goswami, this young man began his screen journey soon after completing his Bachelor of Arts degree from Hindu College in New Delhi when he decided to try his luck in the film business. He started working as a ghostwriter at a studio where he earned his first sum, Rs 11 for writing a scene. He moved to acting in the second half of the 1950s with films like “Fashion” (1957) and “Kaanch Ki Gudia” (1960). His big breakthrough came in 1962 with Raj Khosla’s “Shaadi” alongside Dharmendra and Saira Banu.
As a tribute to him, we take a look at the most defining movies of his career in chronological order.
WOH KAUN THI? (1964)
Foggy terrains, haunting melodies, and stirring drama characterise this mystery romance thriller directed by Raj Khosla, starring Manoj and Sadhna in the lead. He played Dr. Anand, who picks up a young woman at the side of the road on a fateful night, who requests to be dropped off at a graveyard. His mother later reveals that she has arranged a suitable match for him, who turns out to be the same mysterious lady. This is the film that gave us the immortal “Lag Ja Gale” sung by the legendary Lata Mangeshkar.
SHAHEED (1965)
Manoj Kumar portrayed Indian revolutionary freedom fighter Bhagat Singh in this biographical drama, highlighting his life, struggles, and eventual sacrifice for his motherland. Manoj succeeded in invoking the feelings of martyrdom to perfection in this powerful film.
GUMNAAM (1965)
Manoj Kumar, along with an ensemble cast including Nanda, Helen, Mehmood, and Pran, starred in this mystery drama where a group of people encounter strange events while stranded on a remote island. The plot thickens as guests begin to disappear one after another. This quintessential suspenseful drama of the era was filled with eerie vibes throughout, with the classic “Gumnaam Hai Koi… Badnaam Hai Koi” lingering in viewers’ minds long after the movie ended.
UPKAR (1967)
It was Manoj’s gravitation toward patriotic films that etched him in the hearts of millions. He made his directorial debut with “Upkar,” set against the backdrop of the Indo-China war and inspired by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.” The film follows a farmer who becomes a soldier, charting both a farmer’s strife and a soldier’s sacrifice. The song “Mere Desh Ki Dharti” from this film continues to be played on national holidays to this day.
POORAB AUR PASCHIM (1970)
Donning the hat of cultural pride, Manoj anchored an individual’s journey, navigating life and finding his roots in the foreign land of England. Starring Saira Banu, Ashok Kumar, and Pran, this film highlighted the contrasts between Eastern and Western cultures.
ROTI KAPDA AUR MAKAAN (1974)
“Main Na Bhoolungaaaa…” This film presented a hard look at socio-economic disparity and was inspired by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s popular phrase ahead of the 1967 general elections. Featuring Amitabh Bachchan alongside himself, Manoj plays a tormented man who struggles financially while trying to provide for his family.
KRANTI (1981)
Did you know that Manoj Kumar was a huge fan of Dilip Kumar? So much so that he changed his original name after Dilip Kumar played a character named Manoj Kumar in the 1949 film “Shabnam.”
His dream of directing his idol came true with “Kranti,” a multi-starrer period drama featuring Dilip Kumar, Hema Malini, Shashi Kapoor, and Shatrughan Sinha. One of the highest-grossing Indian films of the decade, this movie depicted India’s struggle for independence. The film was so popular that people bought Kranti T-shirts, vests, and even undergarments.
This is truly a legacy that will endure forever.
Special Mentions
Manoj Kumar delivered notable performances in several other films that showcase his versatility as an actor:
- “Neel Kamal” (1968) – A supernatural thriller where he starred opposite Waheeda Rehman
- “Patthar Ke Sanam” (1967) – A romantic drama featuring his chemistry with Mumtaz
- “Shor” (1972) – A social drama he directed and starred in, known for its emotional depth
- “Be-imaan” (1972) – A crime thriller that earned him the Filmfare Best Actor Award