Veteran Actor, Manoj Kumar Known For 'Roti, Kapada Aur Makaan' And 'Kranti' Dies At The Age Of 87

Films are an important medium of social awareness, and mainstream filmmakers use that sparingly. However, one of the most admired stars in Bollywood, Manoj Kumar, never stepped back from using his films as a medium to create social awareness in a newly independent and developing India back in the '60s. His films educated and entertained society when the country was dealing with multiple problems, but India lost that cinema legend as actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar passed away at 87. Known for his purpose-driven storytelling in Hindi cinema, the veteran actor has left an important legacy that will be remembered for years.

Manoj Kumar passes away at the age of 87

Manoj Kumar was born Harikrishna Giri Goswami, born in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan) on July 24, 1937. The actor moved to India with his family during the partition, and his films, a blend of patriotism and entertainment, defined an important era in Hindi cinema. He died at Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, due to heart-related complications. Another cause for his demise was decompensated liver cirrhosis. Filmmaker, Ashoke Pandit confirmed the news and expressed his grief over the passing of veteran actor-filmmaker, Manoj Kumar. Sharing his views. He told ANI:

"The legendary Dadasaheb Phalke awardee, our inspiration, and the 'lion' of the Indian film industry, Manoj Kumar Ji, is no more. His loss is immeasurable, and the entire industry will deeply miss him."

Manoj Kumar's films fueled the feeling of patriotism in India during turbulent times

Harikrishna Giri Goswami adopted the screen name 'Manoj Kumar' after taking inspiration from Dilip Kumar's character in Shabnam. Soon, he got another nickname, 'Bharat Kumar', owing to his patriotic films. The veteran actor played brief and insignificant roles in some films before he got a breakthrough with Hariyali Aur Rasta in 1962, followed by more successful films, including the 1964 film, Woh Kaun Thi?, and since then, he hasn't looked back. But, Shaheed, based on Bhagat Singh, changed the course of his career, winning praise from the audience and then PM, Lal Bahadur Shastri. 

More successful ones followed the film. Soon, India came across a turbulent time with the nationwide food crisis and Indo-Pak war where the Prime Minister asked the actor to make a film on the slogan, "Jai Jawan Jai Kissan" that marked his directorial debut with the iconic film, Upkar in 1967 that also featured the song, Mere Desh Ki Dharti. Manoj Kumar worked in Patthar Ke Sanam, Neel Kamal, Purab Aur Paschim, Mera Naam Joker, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan and Kranti. Besides impressive acting, Manoj's ability to use storytelling in films was unmatched. In addition, he also worked on filmmaking, screenwriting, and editing and penned some lyrics for songs proving his calibre. 

Manoj Kumar's personal life stayed away from the limelight 

Manoj Kumar's personal life was rather simple, and less is known about it. He tied the knot with Shashi Goswami after meeting her during his college days, and they have two sons, Kunal Goswami and Vishal Goswami. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries have expressed their condolences on his demise. Manoj Kumar had acting in 1995 but made his name in a cinema that often chases trends by telling stories of sacrifice, pride and love for the country that has left an ever-lasting impact on cinema and will continue to inspire future actors and filmmakers.

We hope God gives immense strength to Manoj Kumar's family at this painful phase, and may his soul rest in peace.

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