Filmmakers will never forget his contribution: Madhur Bhandarkar on Manoj Kumar's death

ANI April 4, 2025 185 views

Manoj Kumar, the iconic Bollywood actor and filmmaker, passed away at 87 in Mumbai, leaving behind a remarkable cinematic legacy. Known as "Bharat Kumar" for his patriotic roles, he significantly influenced Indian cinema during the 1960s and 1970s. Filmmakers like Madhur Bhandarkar have praised his immense contributions to the industry and his ability to inspire national pride through his movies. Kumar's notable works like Upkar and Purab Aur Paschim continue to be celebrated as landmark films in Indian cinema.

"People of the country and filmmakers will never forget his contribution" - Madhur Bhandarkar
Mumbai, April 4: The Indian film industry has lost one of its most celebrated figures, Manoj Kumar, who passed away at the age of 87.

Key Points

1

Legendary actor known as Bharat Kumar dies in Mumbai

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Directed multiple critically acclaimed patriotic films

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Pioneered nationalist cinema in Bollywood

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Remembered for films like Upkar and Purab Aur Paschim

The veteran actor and filmmaker breathed his last on April 4, at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai after battling a long illness.

As tributes poured in from across the industry, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar spoke on Kumar's immense contributions to Indian cinema and also shared how the actor's work resonated deeply with audiences "deeply connected to his movies and songs."

"Manoj ji has a big contribution. As an audience, many people connect to his movies and songs. People of the country and filmmakers will never forget his contribution. He was one filmmaker who used to infuse a lot of patriotism and national pride...," Bhandarkar told ANI.

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, both critically and commercially.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul S.
Manoj Kumar was truly the embodiment of Indian patriotism on screen. His movies shaped my childhood and made me proud to be Indian. Rest in peace, legend. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
While I respect his contributions, I always felt his patriotic themes became a bit repetitive in later films. That said, Upkar remains a masterpiece that defined an era.
A
Anil K.
My father used to tell me stories about queuing up for hours to watch Manoj Kumar films in the 70s. His movies brought families together. That's real stardom!
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Sunita R.
"Mere Desh Ki Dharti" still gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. Manoj Kumar's legacy will live on through these timeless songs and films. What a loss for Indian cinema 😢
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Vikram J.
Not just an actor, but a true institution of Indian cinema. His work behind the camera as director/producer was equally impactful. We need more filmmakers with his vision today.

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

Tags:
Manoj Kumar Bollywood Indian Cinema Patriotic Films Madhur Bhandarkar Bharat Kumar
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