This has not been the best of times for actors with Manoj in their names.
Close on the heels of the death of Tamil actor Manoj, the Hindi veteran Manoj Kumar passed away.
Another morbid link between the two is that the Tamil Manoj was the son of director Bharathiraja. Bharath ka kumar, you can say. The Bollywood Manoj Kumar was, of course, Bharath Kumar.
The idea of Bharath was concomitant with many of his movies and kind of became his calling card.
The idea of nationalism, which is now talked about a lot in movies now, was a natural presence in his films. It was not a put on or a marketing fad, but something that came natural to him. Manoj Kumar's influence extended beyond cinema. His films inspired generations to embrace patriotism and social responsibility. Known for his humility and unwavering commitment to his craft, he remained a beloved figure in the industry and among fans. He is survived by his family, including his son Kunal Goswami, and countless admirers who will forever cherish his contributions to Indian cinema.
Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad --- the place now linked to the last day of Osama bin Laden --- Manoj Kumar's journey from a small-town boy to a Bollywood legend is an inspiring one. He made his Bollywood debut in 1957 with Fashion (a movie that largely went unnoticed) and quickly rose to prominence with films like Kanch Ki Gudiya (1961) and Gumnaam (1965). However, it was his portrayal of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh in Shaheed (1965) that cemented his place as a torchbearer of patriotic cinema.
As an actor, his histrionics was not the talking point. But he managed to leave an impact through his dignified screen presence and compact performances.
Manoj Kumar's directorial ventures, including Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim*(1970), and Kranti (1981), resonated deeply with audiences, blending entertainment with a profound sense of national pride. His films often explored themes of social justice, unity, and the struggles of the common man, making him a voice for the masses.
Throughout his illustrious career, Manoj Kumar received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1992 and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015. His work earned him seven Filmfare Awards across various categories, reflecting his versatility as an actor, director, and writer.
Manoj Kumar passed away at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai and had been battling health issues, including decompensated liver cirrhosis, in recent months. His passing marks the end of an era, leaving a void in Indian cinema that can never be filled. As tributes pour in from across the nation, Manoj Kumar's legacy as a pioneer of patriotic cinema and a champion of the Indian spirit will continue to inspire.