Veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, a towering figure in Indian cinema known for his deeply patriotic films, passed away at the age of 87. He breathed his last at Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, leaving behind a legacy etched in the hearts of millions.
Manoj Kumar was celebrated for films that evoked a strong sense of national pride, yet his filmography remained surprisingly selective. He once addressed this in an interview, offering a candid take on his minimal body of work. “I am not a greedy film person even as an actor. While my contemporaries Dharmendra and Shashi Kapoor acted in nearly 300 films each, I’ve done hardly 35 films in my entire career.”
Though his appearances on-screen dwindled in later years, his impact remained unmatched. His last acting role was in Maidan-E-Jung in 1995, and he last directed a film in 1999 with Jai Hind. Reflecting on his approach to filmmaking and acting, he once commented, “I’m not a ‘greedy’ person like Dharmendra or Shashi Kapoor,” highlighting his conscious choice to prioritize substance over volume.
Known as “Bharat Kumar” for films like Shaheed (1965), Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), Manoj Kumar left an indelible mark with his commitment to meaningful cinema. Yet, his personal favorite remained Shor (1972). “Shor in 1972. It was about a man and his son… That is the only film I directed in which I was not named Bharat,” he said, recalling the emotionally layered storyline that made the film so unique to him.
Manoj Kumar’s passing marks the end of an era—one defined by cinematic integrity, emotional storytelling, and an unwavering love for the nation.
