Veteran actor Manoj Kumar, who gave excellent films like 'Purab Aur Paschim', 'Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan' and 'Kranti', passed away today, 4 April 2025 at 87. He breathed his last at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Manoj Kumar, popularly known as 'Bharat Kumar', aroused such a feeling of patriotism through his films that are still alive in the hearts of the people. His death has caused a wave of mourning in Bollywood and his fans. Let us remember five memorable incidents related to his life, which show his patriotism, courage, and dedication to cinema.

'Upkar' was made at the behest of Lal Bahadur Shastri

One of Manoj Kumar's most popular films 'Upkar' (1967) was born out of a special meeting. After the Indo-Pak war in 1965, then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri saw his film 'Shaheed'. Impressed by this film made on the life of Bhagat Singh, Shastri ji asked Manoj to make a film on his popular slogan 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan'. Manoj took this suggestion to heart and wrote the story of 'Upkaar' while returning from Delhi to Mumbai on the train. This film was not only a super hit, but its song 'Mere Desh Ki Dharti' took the feeling of patriotism to new heights.

Reason for making patriotic films

Why was Manoj Kumar called 'Bharat Kumar'? A deep truth of his life is hidden behind this. He was born on 24 July 1937 in Abbottabad, Pakistan. During the India-Pakistan partition in 1947, his family came to Delhi, where they saw difficult days in refugee camps. During this time, the feeling of doing something for the country took root in his mind. Deeply influenced by Bhagat Singh, Manoj made cinema a medium and brought patriotism onto the screen through films like 'Shaheed', 'Purab Aur Paschim', 'And Kranti'. He believed that films are not just entertainment, but also a means of making society aware. In such a situation, he made many films based on patriotism and due to this he was also named 'Bharat Kumar'.

Stopped Amitabh Bachchan from leaving Mumbai

There was a time when Amitabh Bachchan's films were continuously flopping and his career was sinking. In the 1970s, when Amitabh Bachchan, frustrated by continuous failures, had decided to leave Mumbai and return to Delhi, then Manoj Kumar stopped him. Manoj had told in an interview with BBC that people were taunting Amitabh, but he was sure that this tall and strong young man would become a big star one day. He gave Amitabh a chance in his film 'Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan' (1974). This film was a hit and Amitabh's career got a new direction. This foresight of Manoj later proved true when Amitabh reached the pinnacle of Bollywood as an 'Angry Young Man'.

Stood against emergency, won the case from the government
Manoj Kumar was not only known for patriotism but was also famous for his courage. In 1975, when Indira Gandhi imposed an emergency in the country, Manoj Kumar openly opposed it. It is said that the government asked him to make a pro-emergency documentary, but he flatly refused, due to which his film 'Das Numbri' was banned. Manoj was not afraid and fought a case against the government in court. He was the only filmmaker and actor in Bollywood who won the legal battle against the government and got his film released. In such a situation, it can be said that he was also a fearless actor and producer of Hindi cinema.

Meeting Bhagat Singh's mother and then the film 'Shaheed' was made.

Manoj Kumar's attachment to Bhagat Singh was very special. Before making the film 'Shaheed' (1965), he went to meet Bhagat Singh's mother Vidyavati, who was hospitalized at that time. During this meeting, Manoj became emotional and cried bitterly. Vidyavati had said, 'You look exactly like Bhagat.' This meeting impressed Manoj so much that he brought Bhagat Singh's character to the screen. 'Shaheed' made him an icon of patriotic films and its songs like 'Mera Rang De Basanti Chola' still resonate.

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