Manoj Kumar

Biography: Popularly known as Mr. Bharat due to his numerous patriotic films, Manoj Kumar was earlier known as Harikishen Goswami. After completing his education from the University of Delhi, Manoj Kumar decided to enter films. Having been inspired by his favourite actor Dilip Kumar in one of his films, he rechristened himself as Manoj Kumar.

Kumar acted in a number of films; he began his career with the film Fashion in 1957. This was followed by his lead performances in films such as Kaanch Ki Gudiya, Piya Milan Ki Aas, Reshmi Roomal, Haryaali Aur Raasta, Woh Kaun Thi and Himalay Ki God Mein. Then in 1965, his film Shaheed was released which was based on the patriot Bhagat Singh. It is then that Manoj Kumar’s image of being a patriotic hero started forming. Subsequent to the 1965 Indo-Pak war, the then PM of India – Lal Bahadur Shastri - asked Kumar to make a film based on the theme ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’. This suggestion translated into Kumar’s directorial debut, Upkaar, for which he won the Filmfare Best Director Award. This film also included the famous song, ‘Mere Desh Ki Dharti…’

This was followed by some varied role playing in different films. Keeping with the trend, Kumar once again turned towards his patriotic theme in the late 1960s, with Purab Aur Paschim in 1970. In 1972, he acted in the film Beimaan, for which he won the Best Actor Award. He also gave a string of blockbuster hits in a row for films like Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Sanyasi and Dus Numbari. Kranti was his last successful film, post which he joined politics. In 1999, he won the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, marking his noteworthy contribution to Indian cinema.