Veteran actor, filmmaker, and writer Manoj Kumar — the man who gave India its most enduring image of cinematic patriotism — died in Mumbai on April 4 at the age of 87. Born Harikrishan Goswami in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Kumar wasn’t just an actor; he was a movement. He was an emotion.
Inspired by his favourite actor Dilip Kumar’s character in the 1949 film Shabnam, Manoj Kumar decided to change his stage name.
At the tender age of 10, he and his family were forced to flee to Delhi after the Partition. Amid the chaos, he suffered a personal tragedy—losing his infant brother to the violence.
The veteran star made his acting debut in the 1957 film Fashion, where he played a beggar, but the film didn’t help him gain any recognition.
During his early days, Manoj Kumar worked as a ghostwriter in various studios, where he earned just Rs 11 per scene.
Long before nationalism became a marketable trend in Bollywood, Manoj Kumar owned that space. He was the poster child of patriotic cinema in India — crafting characters named Bharat and delivering stirring monologues on sacrifice, identity, and love for the motherland that still echo today.
In Upkar (1967), inspired by Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan,” Kumar’s portrayal of a humble farmer-turned-soldier captured the soul of a young nation. The image of him, wounded and draped in the tricolour, crawling on a blood-soaked battlefield with “Mere Desh Ki Dharti” playing in the background, remains one of Indian cinema’s most powerful visuals.
His storytelling continued in Purab Aur Paschim (1970), Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974), and the grand epic Kranti (1981). Each film was a reflection of India’s evolving identity — tackling issues like cultural erosion, unemployment, and freedom.
Honoured with the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015, Kumar’s influence extended beyond the screen. He became a symbol of what it meant to love your country — without spectacle or propaganda, but with sincerity.
Manoj Kumar’s top iconic Bollywood films
Upkar (1967)
Before Bollywood made patriotism trendy, Upkar (1967) had already set the gold standard. Manoj Kumar didn’t just direct this film; he embodied Bharat, the farmer-soldier who made self-sacrifice look heroic. The film’s anthem, “Mere Desh Ki Dharti,” didn’t just top charts—it became the unofficial soundtrack of national pride. Upkar didn’t just win awards; it cemented Manoj Kumar’s legacy as “Mr. Bharat,” the face of patriotic cinema.
Shaheed (1965)
In the 1965 film Shaheed, Manoj Kumar doesn’t just play the Indian revolutionary Bhagat Singh—he channels the rebel’s fiery spirit with such conviction that it’s almost as if Singh himself coached him. This wasn’t your typical, sanitised biopic; it was a raw, unflinching look at a man who laughed in the face of colonial oppression and made the ultimate sacrifice before hitting his mid-twenties. The film’s soundtrack, featuring lyrics by actual freedom fighters, didn’t just tug at heartstrings—it yanked them. Shaheed didn’t just win awards; it set the bar for patriotic cinema so high that others are still trying to reach it.
Purab Aur Paschim (1970)
Purab Aur Paschim explores the cultural dichotomy between Eastern and Western values. Manoj Kumar stars as Bharat, the son of a martyred freedom fighter, who travels to London for higher studies. There, he encounters Indians who have abandoned their cultural roots in favor of Western lifestyles. Bharat’s interactions, especially with Preeti (played by Saira Banu), a Westernised Indian woman, highlight the challenges of preserving one’s heritage amidst external influences. The film serves as a commentary on identity, patriotism, and the importance of cultural pride.
Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974)
In the 1974 film Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, Manoj Kumar doesn’t just play Bharat; he is Bharat—the educated yet unemployed everyman shouldering his family’s burdens while society throws him nothing but curveballs. This isn’t your typical sob story; it’s a gritty exposé on corruption, moral dilemmas, and the relentless societal pressures that make you question if a college degree is worth the paper it’s printed on. With a powerhouse ensemble featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, and Zeenat Aman, the film tugs at your heartstrings. And let’s not forget the soundtrack; “Main Na Bhoolunga” isn’t just a song, it’s an emotional rollercoaster. No wonder this film topped the box office in 1974 and snagged Manoj Kumar the Filmfare Award for Best Director.
Kranti (1981)
Set against the backdrop of India’s struggle for independence between 1825 and 1875, Kranti is an epic saga of revolution and patriotism. The film chronicles the efforts of revolutionaries, including Bharat (Manoj Kumar) and Sanga (Dilip Kumar), as they lead the fight against British colonial rule. The narrative showcases their sacrifices, strategic battles, and the collective spirit of those yearning for freedom. Kranti was notable for bringing together a stellar cast, including Shashi Kapoor, Hema Malini, and Shatrughan Sinha. The film’s grandeur, compelling storyline, and memorable music contributed to its status as one of the highest-grossing films of its time. ?
Woh Kaun Thi (1964)
A classic mystery thriller, Woh Kaun Thi? revolves around Dr. Anand (Manoj Kumar), who encounters a mysterious woman on a stormy night. This enigmatic meeting sets off a series of eerie events that blur the lines between reality and the supernatural. The film is renowned for its suspenseful narrative, atmospheric cinematography, and haunting melodies composed by Madan Mohan, including the iconic “Lag Ja Gale.” Sadhana’s portrayal of the mysterious woman adds to the film’s allure, making it a standout in the thriller genre.
Shor (1972)
Shor isn’t just a movie—it’s a full-blown emotional rollercoaster with a side of heartbreak and hope. It’s old-school Bollywood at its most stirring—melodrama, music, and a man on a mission. Manoj Kumar stars as Shankar, a man who’s already lost his wife and now faces every parent’s nightmare: his son goes mute after a tragic accident. But does he wallow? No. Shankar hustles like a hero, doing whatever it takes to fund his boy’s surgery. Cue the drama, the sacrifice, and a whole lot of teary-eyed resilience. And let’s talk about the anthem of feels—“Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai”. If you’re not ugly-crying by the end of that song, check your pulse.
