Veteran actor Manoj Kumar passed away at an age of 87 on Friday at 3:30 AM at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. The demise of the actor has sent shockwaves of grief across the entertainment industry and country. He was known for his patriotic films and immense contributions to the entertainment industry. His demise has been called the greatest loss to the entertainment industry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief over the demise of legendary actor. Tributes have been pouring in for the late actor.
Remembering him and paying tribute to the actor, we have brought a story of his life. The actor was born as Harikrishna Giri Goswami in 1937 in Lahore’s Abbottabad, in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. But why he changed his name to ‘Manoj Kumar,’ and why people called him ‘Bharat Kumar’ has an interesting story behind it.
Which Actor Inspired His Name Change?
It is said that Kumar was inspired by Dilip Kumar and was a big fan of the late actor. He was so influenced that he changed his name to ‘Manoj Kumar.’ Interestingly, Manoj Kumar was the name of character that Dilip Kumar had played in the 1949 film ‘Shabnam.’ The film starred Dilip Kumar, Kamini Kaushal, Jeevan and Shyama and was directed by B. Mitra.
Kumar was at the age of 12-13 when he saw the movie ‘Shabnam.’ He was so impressed that he decided to change his film name to ‘Manoj Kumar’ if he ever became an actor.
Kumar moved to Mumbai in 1956 and made his cinematic debut with film ‘Fashion’ in 1957, where he played a 90-year-old beggar. Kumar was known for his acting prowess and the range of films he did. He delivered several hits in the early stages of his career. Hariyali Aur Rasta, Woh Kaun Thi, Gumnaam, Do Badan and Himalaya Ki God Mein being some unforgettable films of the legendary actor.
His stature in the industry rose when he played Bhagat Singh in the movie ‘Shaheed.’ It is considered one of his finest films and a memorable role. He later admitted that he practically directed the film.
Manoj Kumar To Bharat Kumar
Upkar, a movie which he made at the request of former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri is considered one of his finest movies. It earned him a widespread recognition and “Mere Desh ki Dharti” song from this movie became one of his super-hit songs.
He was nicknamed Bharat Kumar for the patriotic films he directed and acted in. Kumar didn’t make patriotic films just for the sake of making them; he lived those films and directed them with such devotion that he even sold his own land and properties.
“Patriotism is in my blood. I have inherited the spirit of patriotism and love for literature from my father and the right religious and moral values from my mother Krishna Kumari Goswami,” he told The Times of India.
On being called ‘Bharat Kumar,’ Manoj once said, “Bharat ka to taaj yeh jo bharatwashiyon ne mujhe pehnanya hai woh filmon aur vyaktigat jeewan mein nibhana bahot bada bhoj aur zimmedari hai. Yeh bada upkar hai unka mujpar. Main kitna safal aur asafal hua, woh mere deshwashi jante hai. Main ek sadharan sa nagrik hoon.”
