“There is love in the place where there is a tradition; I always sing songs of that place.
I am from India, and I will tell you about India.
Whenever we talk about films and actors related to Bharatbhoomi, one name naturally comes to mind—Manoj Kumar. This name represents not just an actor but an ideology. An ideology that encompasses patriotism, humanity, social consciousness, and intimacy in its form. Manoj Kumar did not get the title of ‘Bharat Kumar’ just like that—it was the natural culmination of his life, his work, and his views.
On the morning of 4 April, as soon as the sad news came that Manoj Kumar ji was no more among us, an emotional void spread across the country. It seemed as if an entire era of Indian cinema had departed from its screen. His demise shook film lovers, art seekers, and the general public.
Early Life—From an Ordinary Boy to Bharat Kumar
Harikrishna Giri Goswami, born on 24 July 1937 in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan) of undivided India, settled in Delhi with his family at the time of the partition. From here began the difficult journey of his life, which later gave him a new identity as ‘Manoj Kumar.’ On the advice of his grandmother, he took inspiration from Dilip Kumar and named himself ‘Manoj.’
The seed of patriotism was sown in him since childhood. The tragedy of partition created a deep feeling of sympathy for the country and society in him. This was the reason that when he got an opportunity in cinema, he used it not just for fame but as a medium of public awakening.
Debut in cinema and recognition
Manoj Kumar started his film career in 1957 with the film Fashion.’ In the initial years, he worked in many romantic and family films—films like ‘Hariyali Aur Raasta, Woh Kaun Thi,’ and Himalay Ki God Mein made him popular.
But the 1965 film ‘Shaheed’ gave him a new identity. This was a film based on the life of Bhagat Singh, and the dedication with which Manoj Kumar played his role in it won people’s hearts. After this, he made ‘patriotism’ the main element of his films.
Establishment of ‘Upkar’ and Bharat Kumar
‘Upkaar,’ released in 1967, became the turning point of his life. This film was inspired by the slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ of the then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. Manoj Kumar not only acted in it but also directed and wrote it. The intimacy and reality with which he presented the life of farmers and soldiers through the film became a milestone in the history of cinema.
“My country’s land grows gold, diamonds, and pearls.”
This song still brings alive the feeling of patriotism in the heart of every Indian. This was the film that made Manoj Kumar ‘Bharat Kumar.’
Cinema and social concerns
Manoj Kumar’s cinema was not just entertainment. His films had a unique amalgamation of social message, patriotism, and human compassion.
‘Roti Kapda Aur Makaan’ (1974) sensitively depicted unemployment, poverty, and frustration with the system. This film is considered relevant even today.
The balance with which Purva Aur Paschim (1970) presented the conflict between Indian culture and Western influences remains equally relevant even today.
In ‘Kranti’ (1981), he brought alive the spirit of the freedom struggle in a grand and emotional form. This film is also considered historically important.
Feelings and thoughts in songs
The songs of Manoj Kumar’s films were not just a means of entertainment; they were expressions of ideas. For example:
“This is the only crime I commit every time; I am a man, and I love’ men”—Proclamation of Humanity.
“Oaths, promises, love, loyalty, all are just talks; what’s the point of’ talks?”—the depth of love and pain
These songs not only made the film a hit but also touched the hearts of generations. Manoj Kumar’s cinema is immortal because it had more expressions than words.
Personality—Off Screen
While on one hand he was a patriotic hero, on the other hand, he was equally simple, easy-going, and humble in real life. Everyone who worked with him in the industry has been a witness to his cordial behavior.
Even when he was at the peak of his popularity, he stayed away from an ostentatious life. His attitude towards awards was also humble—he even refrained from accepting government honors many times. This reflects his idealistic attitude and integrity.
Honors and Awards
Manoj Kumar was awarded the Padma Shri in 1992.
He was also awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2016), the highest honor in Indian cinema.
Apart from this, he also received many national and international film awards.
Farewell—End of an era
On the morning of 4 April 2025, when the news broke that Manoj Kumar was no more, condolence messages started pouring in from across the country. Politicians, actors, writers, journalists—everyone paid tribute to him.
With his demise, that chapter of Indian cinema ended in which cinema was not just entertainment but a mirror of the society.
Today, when the country talks about ‘New India,’ even then, Manoj Kumar’s cinema reminds us of the ‘real India’—the’ India that lives in villages, which is connected to the soil, which considers human values supreme.
Memory does not remain; inspiration remains.
Manoj Kumar is no longer physically present among us, but his soul lives on in his songs, films, and thoughts. He was more than just an artist; he was an ideologue. A combination like his—actor, writer, director, and patriot—is becoming rare now.
We pay homage to him with our thoughts, words, and actions.
His life journey will be a source of inspiration for all of us.
May Bharat Kumar remain immortal.
