Anupam Kher visits family of Manoj Kumar, pays tribute to legendary actor

ANI April 10, 2025 318 views

Veteran actor Anupam Kher recently visited the family of legendary filmmaker Manoj Kumar to pay his respects and celebrate his cinematic legacy. Kumar, known as "Bharat Kumar" for his iconic patriotic roles, passed away on April 4 after a long illness. Kher shared a deeply personal connection, revealing that Kumar's film 'Upkaar' was the first movie he ever watched and profoundly influenced his understanding of patriotism. The tribute underscores Kumar's significant contributions to Indian cinema, particularly his impactful nationalist narratives during the post-independence era.

"Manoj Kumar ji has a huge contribution in awakening the spirit of patriotism in my heart" - Anupam Kher
Mumbai, April 10: Anupam Kher recently visited late legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar's residence to offer his condolences to the family.

Key Points

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Kher visits Kumar's family after his passing on April 4

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Remembers 'Upkaar' as first transformative film

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Celebrates Kumar's legendary patriotic cinema contributions

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Honors Kumar's nickname 'Bharat Kumar'

Kher, on Thursday, took to his Instagram to share a series of pictures along with a caption that read, "Met #ManojKumar Ji's friends and family!! And paid my tribute! Thank you #Manoj Ji for your contribution in my life! Both as an actor/director and as an Indian! Jai Hind! #Bharat #Patriot."

Take a look

https://www.instagram.com/p/DIRC-2PCzAd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Earlier, Kher had posted a video in which he remembered how Kumar's films shaped his childhood and inspired his love for the country.

"The first film I saw in my life, which I remember very well, was Upkaar. Films were shown in our locality. So this film was my first introduction to Manoj Kumar ji," Kher said in the video.

"Manoj Kumar ji has a huge contribution in awakening the spirit of patriotism in my heart. India had become independent. It had been only 15-20 years and the fight for revolution, the freedom movement, everything was fresh. On top of that, Manoj Kumar ji's films, that feeling of patriotism kept on deepening," he added.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIA64XeiNtL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Manoj Kumar breathed his last at 4:03 am on April 4 at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai after battling a long illness.

Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Kumar became an iconic figure in Indian cinema, especially in the 1960s and 1970s. The actor was affectionately known as "Bharat Kumar" for his iconic roles in patriotic films like Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Shaheed.

Apart from acting, Kumar also made significant contributions as a director and producer. His directorial debut Upkar (1967) won the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film.

Other successful films directed by him include Purab Aur Paschim (1970) and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), both of which were major successes critically and commercially.

Reader Comments

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Rahul S.
Beautiful gesture by Anupam Kher. Manoj Kumar's films were truly special - they had soul and patriotism without being preachy. His legacy will live on through his incredible work. 🙏
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Priya M.
I grew up watching Manoj Kumar's films with my grandfather. They don't make movies like that anymore - simple stories with powerful messages. Rest in peace to a true legend of Indian cinema.
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Amit K.
While I appreciate Anupam Kher's tribute, I wish more current Bollywood stars would acknowledge the contributions of veteran actors like Manoj Kumar. His films shaped generations!
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Sunita R.
The video where Anupam Kher talks about watching Upkar as his first film was so touching! Makes me want to revisit all of Manoj Kumar's classics this weekend. #OldIsGold
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Vikram J.
Respectful criticism: While Manoj Kumar's patriotic films were important for their time, some of the messaging feels dated now. But there's no denying his impact on Indian cinema history.
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Neha P.
My dad still hums songs from Roti Kapda Aur Makaan! Manoj Kumar had this unique ability to blend entertainment with social messages seamlessly. Gone too soon 💔

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Anupam Kher Manoj Kumar Bollywood Patriotic Cinema Indian Cinema Tribute
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