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EYE ON BOLLYWOOD APRIL 18, 2025 | The Indian Eye 38

MANOJ KUMAR

From PM Modi to legends like

Dharmendra, India remembers ‘Bharat’,

the great patriot

The actor was affectionately known as “Bharat Kumar” for his iconic roles in patriotic films

such as Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Shaheed

OUR BUREAU
Mumbai
he legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj
Kumar, who passed away on April 4, was cre-
Tmated with state honours at the Pawan Hans
crematorium in Mumbai last Saturday. The funeral
was attended by prominent Bollywood figures, in-
cluding Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan,
Salim Khan, and Arbaaz Khan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed
his grief over the death of the legendary filmmak-
er. In a letter addressed to Kumar’s wife, Shashi
Goswami, the PM remembered meeting the leg-
endary actor and also praised his contribution to
Indian cinema and patriotism. The letter, written
in Hindi, read, “I am deeply saddened by the pass-
ing of Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. My condolences are
with his family and well-wishers during this difficult
time. The legendary actor and filmmaker show-
cased the pride of India in a powerful way through Sand Artist Manas Kumar Sahu creates sand art after Manoj Kumar passed away at the age of 87 (ANI)
his films. Many of his movies helped strengthen
the feeling of patriotism among the people.” his father and veteran actor Dharmendra’s close on Thursday, took to his Instagram to share a
“The songs from his films, based on Indian bond with the late Manoj Kumar. While speaking series of pictures along with a caption that read,
culture and values, express love and dedication to the media, he said, “They both were together in “Met #ManojKumar Ji’s friends and family!! And
towards the country, and people will always re- the industry. He had always been a father figure paid my tribute! Thank you #Manoj Ji for your
member and sing them. I will always remember my for us, and since childhood, I had seen him with my contribution in my life! Both as an actor/director
meetings and thoughtful conversations with Shri father. My dad had a great connection with him. I and as an Indian! Jai Hind! #Bharat #Patriot.”
Manoj Kumar Ji. His work will continue to inspire would just say that the films that he did were about Earlier, Kher had posted a video in which he
generations to work for the country and society. India, and bahut pyaari thi. Usi se deshbhakti ka remembered how Kumar’s films shaped his child-
His passing is a huge loss to the film world,” the silsila shuru hua tha.” hood and inspired his love for the country. “Manoj
letter further read. He recalled how his father shared an incident Kumar ji has a huge contribution in awakening the
Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, with him just before coming to the Capital. “Be- spirit of patriotism in my heart. India had become
in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Kumar became fore coming here, dad was telling me that when he independent. It had been only 15-20 years and the
an iconic figure in Indian cinema, especially in was with Manoj ji in the early days, they were strug- fight for revolution, the freedom movement, every-
the 1960s and 1970s. The actor was affectionately gling; jeb mein paise nahi hote the (they didn’t thing was fresh. On top of that, Manoj Kumar ji’s
known as “Bharat Kumar” for his iconic roles in have any money).” films, that feeling of patriotism kept on deepening,”
patriotic films such as Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Veteran star Dharmendra on Saturday took he added.
and Shaheed. a stroll down memory lane and shared a vintage Veteran singer Nitin Mukesh also visited his
In addition to his acting career, Kumar made picture with the ‘Kranti’ star. The throwback pic- residence to meet with the family. He paid his
significant contributions as a director and produc- ture shows the two stars sharing smiles. In his cap- heartfelt condolences to Manoj Kumar’s wife
er. His directorial debut Upkar (1967) won the Na- tion, Dharmendra mentioned that he will always Shashi Goswami and son Kunal Goswami. He
tional Film Award for Second Best Feature Film. remember the moments spent with Manoj Kumar. also crooned the late actor’s iconic song ‘Ek Pyar
Other successful films directed by him include Dharmendra also paid a visit to Manoj Ku- Ka Nagma Hai’ in his soulful voice. Nitin Mukesh
Purab Aur Paschim (1970) and Roti Kapda Aur mar’s residence after he learned about his demise. closely worked with Manoj Kumar, delivering sev-
Makaan (1974), both of which were major success- Also, Anupam Kher recently visited late leg- eral hit tracks such as Zindagi Ki Na Tute Ladi,
es, both critically and commercially. endary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar’s resi- Pyaar Kar Le Ghadi Do Ghadi’ from the film
Bollywood star Sunny Deol also talked about dence to offer his condolences to the family. Kher, ‘Kranti’, which Kumar had directed.

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