Mumbai/Chandigarh: As soon as the shocking news of demise of Bollywood’s Bharat Kumar, the veteran Manoj Kumar reached the film industry and him crores of fans across the globe, an sad streak of gloom spread all over.
A vowed nationalist, Manoj Kumar, (born as Harikrishan Giri Goswami in Abbottabad, Pakistan on July 24, 
1937) who spent his early days in Refugee Camps in North Delhi, felt a strong patriotic sentiment and reflected it through most his roles and films he produced and directed. Shaheed (Bhagat Singh), Poorab Aur Paschim, Upkaar, Rang De Basanti and Kranti were some of the films he used to profess his patriotic nerve through stories and songs, which resonate Indian skies ever and especially on National Days like Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), Baisakhi (April 13) and other days. Poorab Aur Paschim, directed/produced by 
Manoj Kumar in 1970, projected him as a perfect embodyment of Indian pride, alluring the youth to shun their love for Western culture, love for riches or wealth and take pride in being a real Bhartiya.
It is understood, Manoj Kumar produced film Upkaar on the advice of then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri to underline the importance of his slogan Jai Jawan Jai Kisan and it was a blockbuster, as his earlier films.
Manoj Kumar also directed or produced some of the films of social issues like Shor, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, Sanyasi etc. and acted in Saajan, Haryali Aur Raasta, Pathar Ke Sanam, Gumnaam, Woh Kaun Thi, Das Numbri, Neel Kamal, Himalaya Ki God Mein. impressed by thespian Dalip Kumar’s films Jugnu he shifted to Mumbai from Delhi, after marriage and debuted through films Fashion, Kanch Ki Gudiya.
Manoj Kumar married into a political family, his wife Shashi had also been offered a film role before Manoj became a star, but they decided to have only Manoj kumar, join the tinsel town. The family has two sons Vishal and Kunal Goswami and has a net worth of $ 20 million.
The legendary hero, Manoj Kumar had been honoured with Padma Shri, one National Films and Dada Saheb Phalke award (1915), Lifetime Achievment award and 7 Filmfare awards. He had been a member of Bhartiya Janata Party since 2004 but did not join active politics.
‘Bharat Kumar’ will be missed by crores of his fans in India and abroad, not only for portrayal of his patriotuc characters but also his script writing, songs and direction. Prime Minister Modi rightly paid him rich tributes in these words, as he said on X platform:
“Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. He was an icon of Indian cinema, who was particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was also reflected in his films. Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”
NewsOnRadar.com joins all the national leaders, industry representatives and millions of his fans/followers, in this moment of grief to the family as well. –Subhash C Vatsain, Editor
(pics /video credit-Vishal International Productions, Manoj Kumar’s own production House)
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