Legendary Actor Manoj Kumar Passes Away at 87: Veteran Bollywood actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar has passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of patriotic cinema that earned him the iconic title Bharat Kumar. While the world knew him as Manoj Kumar, his real name was Harikrishna Giri Goswami.
Born on 24 July 1937 in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Manoj Kumar came from a Brahmin family. His father was H.L. Goswami, and his mother was Krishna Kumari Goswami. The trauma of the 1947 Partition forced his family to relocate to Delhi when he was just 10 years old.
Inspired by legendary actor Dilip Kumar, young Harikrishna changed his name to Manoj Kumar as a tribute when he entered the film industry.
Film Career: A Journey Driven by Patriotism
Manoj Kumar made his acting debut in 1957 with the film Pehchan. He gained early recognition through films like Sahara and Chand, where he acted alongside renowned actress Meena Kumari. However, it was the 1962 romantic drama Hariyali Aur Rasta that catapulted him to fame.
Throughout his illustrious career, he starred in numerous iconic films including:
- Shaheed
- Himalay Ki God Mein
- Do Badan
- Upkar
- Purab Aur Paschim
- Roti Kapda Aur Makaan
- Shor
- Sanyasi
- Shirdi Ke Sai Baba
His deeply patriotic themes struck a chord with audiences, earning him the affectionate title Bharat Kumar from fans and media alike.
His final film appearance was in 1995 with Maidan-E-Jung, where he portrayed Master Deenanath.
Honours and Recognition
Manoj Kumar’s contribution to Indian cinema was immense. He received numerous accolades, including:
- Filmfare Awards for films like Upkar, Be-Imaan, Shor, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, and Sanyasi
- The Padma Shri in 1992, one of India’s highest civilian awards
- The prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2016 for his lifetime contribution to Indian cinema
- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999
Manoj Kumar wasn’t just an actor — he was a filmmaker, a storyteller, and a patriot who used cinema to express his love for the nation. His legacy will forever remain etched in the hearts of every Indian who watched his films and felt pride in their country.