भारत का रहनेवाला हूं, ‘भारत’ की बात सुनाता हूं!

Forgotten filmmaker Kuldip Sehgal, of Chunaiya (1948) fame, made a couple of films under three banners: Kuldip Pictures, Tasveeristan and Jubilee Pictures. He introduced Mohan Segal as a director in Aulad (1954), Mohan Kumar and Rajendra Bhatia as assistant directors in the same film, Iqbal Qureshi as composer in Panchayat and a young promising actor in inconsequential roles in films like Fashion (1957), Panchayat (1958), Chand (1952) and as a hero in Maa Beta (1962). 

That actor went on to become famous as an award winning top writer — producer — director — actor: Manoj Kumar aka ‘Bharat’ Kumar because of his films with patriotic sentiments. Incidentally, filmmaker Sohanlal Kanwar also started his career as an employee in Kuldip Sehgal’s company. The Kumar — Kanwar connect made a humble beginning here, culminating in super hits like Pehchan, Beimaan and Sanyasi in the 70s. 

Sixties struggle

Manoj Kumar’s earlier films as a hero included films like: Honeymoon, Kaanch Ki Gudiya, Naqli Nawab, Reshmi Rumaal, Suhaag Sindoor, Apna Banaake Dekho, Banarsi Thug, Dr. Vidya, Hariyali aur Raasta, Shaadi, Grihasthi, Ghar Basaake Dekho, all released between 1960 to 1963.  While his contemporaries Sunil Dutt, Rajendra Kumar and Shammi Kapoor, who started in and around the mid 50s, had already established themselves by the early 1960s.

Struggle to stardom

His rise to stardom began with Raj Khosla’s musical mystery film Woh Kaun Thi (1964) followed by Bedaag, Gumnaam and Himalay Ki Godmein (1965), Do Badan (apparently inspired by Dilip Kumar’s Deedar) and Sawan Ki Ghata (1966), Anita, Pathhar Ke Sanam and his own film under his banner Vishal Pictures (named after his eldest son) Upkar (1967), Aadmi and Neel Kamal (1968), Saajan (1969); many of them were big hits.

Seventies: Sustained success

The spate of success continued in the 70s with films like: Mera Naam Joker, Purab aur Paschim, Pehchan, Yaadgaar, Beimaan, Shor, Roti Kapda aur Makaan, Sanyasi, Dus Numbri, Amaanat. Besides these, he acted in his own films: Purab aur Paschim,  Shor, Roti Kapda aur Makaan and Shirdi Ke Saibaba (made by him with participation of devotees of Saibaba). 

The making of Manoj

The origin of Manoj Kumar’s screen name is a fascinating story. Inspired by Dilip Kumar and his performances, particularly in Filmistan’s classic Shaheed (1948) and the light hearted Shabnam (1949), in which Dilip Kumar played a character named Manoj, a young Hari Kishan Goswami, then just 11 years old, started idolising and worshipping the legendary actor. These two films held special significance for Hari Kishan.

His deep admiration for the thespian inspired him to adopt the screen name ‘Manoj’ when he began his acting career. Later, when he turned filmmaker, he paid tribute to his idol by making a film titled Shaheed, albeit with a different storyline. This gesture was a heartfelt ode to the Tragedy King. Interestingly, Kamini Kaushal went on to play Manoj Kumar’s screen mother in a number of films beginning with Shaheed (1965).

Awards —Accolades

Manoj Kumar won a number of popular as well as State and National Awards in different categories as also several lifetime achievement awards including the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award and Padmashri for his significant contribution. Although his artistically crafted commercial films have received widespread attention, little is known about his patriotic film Shaheed, which marked his entry as a ‘filmmaker’.

Eclipsed in the eighties

In the 80s, he made films like Kranti, Kalyug Ka Ramayan, Santosh, Clerk and Deshwasi and acted in them. None of them could create the magic of his earlier films. However, among these, the only commercially noteworthy film was Kranti in which he cast his idol and favourite actor Dilip Kumar.

Celebrities pay tribute to Manoj Kumar’s legacy

I grew up learning from him that there’s no emotion like love and pride for our country. And if we actors won’t take the lead in showing this emotion, who will? Such a fine person, and one of the biggest assets of our fraternity. RIP Manoj Sir. Om Shanti.

Akshay Kumar

#ManojKumar Sahab gave us characters that were both heroic and human. His films reflected love for the country and its people. An irreplaceable loss for the world of cinema. End of an Era. Om Shanti.

Sunny Deol

Manoj Kumar ji’s films are not just entertainment; they are lessons in patriotism, values, and storytelling.

Anupam Kher

India’s first truly original and committed Indic filmmaker, Dadasaheb Phalke awardee Shri Manoj Kumar ji, left us today. A proud nationalist. A staunch Hindu at heart. A visionary director who gave Indian cinema a new grammar — of song picturisation, of meaningful lyrics, of cinema that didn’t just entertain but remembered to belong. He made patriotism cinematic, without noise. He made nationalism poetic, without apology.

Vivek Agnihotri (Filmmaker)

I am saddened by the passing of the legendary actor & filmmaker, Manoj Kumar Sir, I had the privilege of interacting with him at many occasions , and he was truly an icon of Indian cinema. His storytelling & song picturizations in his films inspired national pride and will resonate for generations. My deepest condolences to his family members & admirers. #OmShanti.

Madhur Bhandarkar (Filmmaker)

Dharmendra pays tribute Legendary actor Manoj Kumar’s demise has left the Indian film industry in deep grief. Veteran actor Dharmendra was also spotted at Manoj Kumar’s residence. He briefly spoke to the media and recalled his memories spent with the Kranti star. “We have many memories together. We spent our earlier days in the film industry together,” he said.