Widely regarded as one of the most handsome heroes of Hindi films, Manoj Kumar is known as Bharat Kumar for his patriotic films and characteristic acting style. Some of his famous films include Shaheed, Gumnaam, Upkar, Purab Aur Pashchim, Kranti, Shor, and many more.
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Manoj Kumar was born Harikrishna Giri Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad. His family migrated to Delhi during partition. He pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hindu College of Delhi University. Growing up, he was a huge fan of Dilip Kumar. He adopted the screen name Manoj Kumar, which was the name of Dilip Kumar in the film “Shabnam.”
Kumar’s film debut was a minor role in the 1957 movie “Fashion,” which he followed with films like Sahara (1958), Panchayat (1958), Chand (1959), and Honeymoon (1959).
Despite a series of unremarkable roles, his persistence paid off when he landed his first leading role in “Kaanch Ki Gudiya” in 1961. The same year, he starred in “Suhag Sindoor” and “Reshmi Rumal,” opposite Shakila. His first major hit came with Vijay Bhatt’s 1962 musical “Hariyali Aur Rasta,” opposite Mala Sinha. His next big hit came with Raj Khosla’s thriller “Woh Kaun Thi?” with Sadhna, which established him as one of the top actors of that time.
The year 1965 marked Kumar’s ascent to stardom with the patriotic drama “Shaheed,” based on the life of Bhagat Singh. The film’s success was followed by the blockbuster “Himalay Ki God Mein,” cementing his status as a bankable star. The same year, he starred in the suspense thriller “Gumnaam,” with Nanda, Helen Pran, Madan Puri, and Mehmood. The film, Raja Nawathe, based on Agatha Christie’s 1939 mystery novel “And Then There Were None,” went on to be a major hit. The film is still considered a classic of the genre.
Manoj Kumar suggested the idea of “Do Badan” to director Raj Khosla after they watched a rerun of the Dilip Kumar starrer “Deedar (1951),” directed by Nitin Bose. Inspired, they reworked its storyline, and G.R. Kamat wrote the screenplay for what became Do Badan (1966). The film, which starred Asha Parekh with Manoj Kumar, became one of the all-time musical hits with songs like “Naseeb Mein Jiske Jo Likha,” “Bhari Duniya Mein Aakhir,” “Raha Gardishon Mein,” “Lo Aa Gayi Unki Yaad,” “Jab Chali Thandi Hawa,” and “Mat Jaiyo Naukariya Chhodke.”
In 1967, he starred in Raj Khosla’s “Anita,” with Sadhna, and Raja Nawathe’s Patthar Ke Sanam,” with Waheeda Rahman and Mumtaz. He also made his directorial debut with “Upkaar (1967),” which won him the Filmfare Best Director Award and showcased his ability to blend entertainment with social and nationalistic messages. After the success of Upkaar, he went on to direct films like Purab Aur Paschim (1970), Shor (1972), Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), and Kranti (1981).
He also starred in many successful films like Neel Kamal (1968), Aadmi (1968), where he starred with his idol Dilip Kumar, Yaadgaar (1970), Pehchan (1970), Balidaan (1971), Be-Imaan (1972), Sanyasi (1975), Dus Numbri (1976), Shirdi Ke Sai Baba (1976), Amaanat (1977), Jat Punjabi (1979), Kalyug Aur Ramayan (1979), and many more. He was last seen in the 1995 film “Maidan-E-Jung.”
His directorial Clerk (1989), which also starred ageing Pakistani Superstar “Mohammad Ali” and his wife “Zeba” with Shashi Kapoor, Rekha, and Ashok Kumar with himself. The film, easily the worst film of his career, was so bad that many people watched it to laugh at its sillyness. The film is a prime example of “So Bad That It’s Good.” His last directed film wasJai Hind (1999), starring his son Kumal Goswami.
For his immense contribution to Indian cinema, Kumar has been honoured with several awards, including the National Film Award (Upkar), seven Filmfare Awards, the Padma Shri in 1992, and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2016.
Manoj Kumar married Shashi Goswami, and together they had two sons, Kunal Goswami and Vishal Goswami. Kumal Goswami made his debut with Kranti (1981) and went on to star in a few films like Ghungroo (1983) and Kalakaar (1983). He is best remembered for his song “Neele-Neele Ambar Pe.”
His brother Rajeev Goswami also ventured into films and debuted with Painter Babu, opposite Meenakshi.
After a successful career spanning decades, Kumar stepped away from acting in 1995. His legacy, however, continues to inspire generations of filmmakers and actors. His portrayal of the common man’s struggles and aspirations, coupled with his dedication to nationalistic themes, has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
