More than just a star, Manoj Kumar came to symbolise patriotic cinema in India. His distinctive gesture—partially covering his face with his hand—became iconic.
I remember as a young child of some 9 years of age, the impact his film "Shaheed" left on us. I was 9 years when Kranti was released, and entire family liked it. I love films he made and directed, Purab aur Paschim, Upkar, Kranti are all time great, so is Shor. He did fantastic job in other films like Patthar ke Sanam, Hariyali Aur Raasta, Dus Numbri, Gumnaam, Woh Kaun Thhi. He was a big name, made big films, collaborated with big artists like Dilip Kumar, Amitabh, Shashi Kapur, hired best musicians - Laxmikant Pyarelal, had best singers - Mohammed Rafi and Mukesh, best lyricists - Santosh Anand and himself.
An era is over. I wish this and future generations know him as someone who inculcated a pride for our nation and civilization in the hearts of masses.
The news of Manoj Kumar’s passing instantly transported me back to my middle school days, when Upkar turned me into a lifelong admirer. I vividly remember buying Screen, the weekly film magazine (is it still around?), and devouring every detail about him and Upkar. I still recall that dialogues were by Abram Alvi and it celebrated golden jubilee all over India . Manoj Kumar’s unique style of acting stood apart.
While Upkar remains his magnum opus, his performances in Do Badan, Aadmi (alongside Dilip Kumar), Patthar Ke Sanam, Anita, and Woh Kaun Thi? were equally remarkable. He brought sincerity and grace to every role, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
His passing truly marks the end of an era.
P.S. It’s worth recalling that Dharmender, his contemporary, might have left Bombay in frustration during his early days, had Manoj Kumar not encouraged him to stay—an act of camaraderie that perhaps changed the course of Indian film history.
I remember as a young child of some 9 years of age, the impact his film "Shaheed" left on us. I was 9 years when Kranti was released, and entire family liked it. I love films he made and directed, Purab aur Paschim, Upkar, Kranti are all time great, so is Shor. He did fantastic job in other films like Patthar ke Sanam, Hariyali Aur Raasta, Dus Numbri, Gumnaam, Woh Kaun Thhi. He was a big name, made big films, collaborated with big artists like Dilip Kumar, Amitabh, Shashi Kapur, hired best musicians - Laxmikant Pyarelal, had best singers - Mohammed Rafi and Mukesh, best lyricists - Santosh Anand and himself.
An era is over. I wish this and future generations know him as someone who inculcated a pride for our nation and civilization in the hearts of masses.
Jai Hind
The news of Manoj Kumar’s passing instantly transported me back to my middle school days, when Upkar turned me into a lifelong admirer. I vividly remember buying Screen, the weekly film magazine (is it still around?), and devouring every detail about him and Upkar. I still recall that dialogues were by Abram Alvi and it celebrated golden jubilee all over India . Manoj Kumar’s unique style of acting stood apart.
While Upkar remains his magnum opus, his performances in Do Badan, Aadmi (alongside Dilip Kumar), Patthar Ke Sanam, Anita, and Woh Kaun Thi? were equally remarkable. He brought sincerity and grace to every role, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
His passing truly marks the end of an era.
P.S. It’s worth recalling that Dharmender, his contemporary, might have left Bombay in frustration during his early days, had Manoj Kumar not encouraged him to stay—an act of camaraderie that perhaps changed the course of Indian film history.
Thanks for these wonderful insights.