Bollywood mourns the loss of renowned actor, filmmaker and artistic legend
Team Clarion
MUMBAI – Renowned actor, filmmaker, and poet Manoj Kumar has left an indelible mark on Bollywood with his patriotic films.
The thespian breathed his last on Friday at the age of 87. After a prolonged battle with illness, the iconic figure died at Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Hospital. His death marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, as he was widely celebrated for portraying the true essence of patriotism and social justice in his films.
Manoj Kumar, who was affectionately known as ‘Bharat Kumar,’ became a household name through films like Upkaar, Purab Aur Pachhim, Kranti and Roti Kapra Aur Makan. His portrayal of the common man’s struggles, patriotism, and his commitment to upholding the dignity of Indian culture resonated deeply with audiences. He had a remarkable ability to capture the pulse of the nation through his art, which earned him immense respect not only in the film industry but also among the people.
Born Hari Krishna Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad, Pakistan, Manoj Kumar’s journey to fame was not easy. He hailed from a humble background and faced significant hardships, especially after the partition of India when his family found refuge in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district. Growing up in a refugee camp, Manoj Kumar experienced the pain of loss early in life. In a tragic moment, he witnessed his sister’s untimely death due to malnutrition, an experience that left a profound impact on him. Recalling the heartbreaking incident, he once said, “When my sister’s last rites were being performed, I felt as if a big part of my life was going to end, my existence began to feel like a burden on me.”
Despite these hardships, Manoj Kumar never succumbed to despair. Instead, he embraced the values instilled by his father, who taught him that love and gentleness should always prevail over violence. He carried these teachings throughout his life, earning a reputation for his calm demeanor and deep respect for others.
Apart from his acting, Manoj Kumar was also a skilled filmmaker, writer, and poet. He inherited his passion for Urdu poetry from his father, Pandit Harbans Lal Goswami, a prominent Urdu and Persian poet. Manoj Kumar’s fluency in Urdu not only made him a compelling actor but also enabled him to script many of his films. His poetic nature and storytelling abilities added depth to the scripts of his movies, further enhancing their emotional and patriotic appeal.
His love for Urdu was evident in his personal life too. He was deeply inspired by the works of Dilip Kumar, and after watching the film Shabnam, he was so moved by Dilip Kumar’s character ‘Manoj’ that he changed his name to Manoj Kumar, solidifying his admiration for the legendary actor.
Manoj Kumar’s health had been deteriorating for some time, and he had been bedridden for the last few years. His son, Kunal Goswami, in a statement to the media, shared that his father had been battling multiple ailments and had passed away peacefully in his sleep at around 3.30 AM on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday. “Though it’s hard to come to terms with my father’s passing, I am relieved that he has been freed from his prolonged suffering,” Kunal said.
His nephew, Manish Goswami, added that Manoj Kumar had been admitted to the hospital on February 21 due to various health issues. “In his final days, he had reduced communication, and his passing was due to cardiac arrest,” Manish explained.
Family, friends, and admirers bid the versatile genius farewell on Saturday morning and paid homage to the man who touched the hearts of millions with his art and his unwavering patriotism.
Manoj Kumar’s legacy will forever be remembered in the annals of Indian cinema. Through his compelling portrayals of patriotism, sacrifice, and human dignity, he became an embodiment of India’s cultural values. His contribution to Bollywood will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and actors who aspire to leave a lasting impact on the hearts of the people.
Manoj Kumar’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of India’s most beloved actors is a testament to his determination, talent, and love for his country. He may be gone, but his films and poetry will forever keep his spirit alive.
