There was a point when one did feel that only Manoj Kumar knew what the problems in India were all about and only he held the solutions to them. There was never a better line that could tickle the political campaigner today than “Bharat ka rehne wala hoon, Bharat ki baat sunata hoon.”
We have lost a true icon with the passing of Manoj Kumar. He was much more than just an actor who appeared on screen; for many Indians, he embodied the spirit and values of their nation. When people thought of a patriotic Indian on film, they often pictured Manoj Kumar, earning him the affectionate title of Bharat Kumar.
Born as Harikrishan Giri Goswami, he chose his screen name, Manoj Kumar, as a sign of his deep admiration for the legendary actor Dilip Kumar. This early inspiration eventually led him to work alongside his idol in the powerful film Kranti, a moment that surely marked a significant achievement in his career. While he showcased his acting abilities in a variety of roles, it was his self-directed films, often cantered around themes of patriotism, social responsibility, and strong moral principles, that truly cemented his place in Indian cinema history.
One of the most famous stories about Manoj Kumar highlights his profound connection to the nation’s sentiments. Following the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, the then Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, made a heartfelt appeal to the film community to create movies that would resonate with his powerful slogan, “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.” This clarion call deeply moved Manoj Kumar. It is said that during a simple bus journey from Delhi to Mumbai, the entire story and screenplay of what would become the iconic film Upkar took shape in his mind.
This anecdote beautifully illustrates his ability to connect with the national mood and transform it into meaningful art that touched the hearts of millions. Today, which filmmaker writes his entire bound script on a bus? But then, bus travel also has its roots. Interestingly, Manoj Kumar had a strong personal conviction against air travel. This wasn’t just a preference; it stemmed from a prediction made by his astrologer, who advised him that flying was unsafe for him. This deep-seated fear significantly influenced his life and even his professional decisions.
A notable instance of this was during the making of Purab Aur Paschim, a film that aimed to explore the cultural bridges and differences between India and the Western world. A significant portion of the film was scheduled to be shot in London. True to his apprehension about flying, Manoj Kumar chose to travel to England by ship. This journey was a long and arduous one, reportedly taking him an entire month to reach his destination, while the rest of the cast and crew made the journey by air in a fraction of the time.
This decision underscores the strength of his personal beliefs and his commitment to them, even when faced with considerable inconvenience. His family back home in Mumbai was so concerned for his well-being during his extended time away and the long sea voyage that they conducted daily prayers for his safe passage, revealing the deep love and worry that surrounded him. But Manoj Kumar was adamant that he would tell the world that we were not a British colony and wasn’t suffering from a colonial hangover. Beyond the strong patriotic themes that became his trademark, Manoj Kumar was also a dedicated and detail-oriented filmmaker.
A seemingly minor incident during the filming of the more recent movie Om Shanti Om provides a glimpse into his commitment to his craft. A light-hearted joke in the film about his characteristic way of covering his face on screen inadvertently caused offense, leading to apologies from the filmmakers. However, the true story behind this iconic gesture reveals Manoj Kumar’s deep involvement in the technical aspects of filmmaking. It wasn’t merely a random pose; rather, it originated from a moment where he was explaining to the Director of Photography precisely how he wanted a particular shot to be framed, demonstrating the desired close-up by positioning his hand near his face and looking intently into the lens.
The cameraman, recognizing the powerful visual, decided to capture that very moment, and thus, an iconic screen image was born. This anecdote illustrates his hands-on approach to filmmaking and his keen eye for visual storytelling. Manoj Kumar’s films were known for their straightforward narratives and their focus on fundamental human values. His characters often grappled with the challenges and aspirations of a newly independent India, consistently championing the cause of the common person and celebrating the spirit of unity and resilience.
He had a remarkable ability to tap into the prevailing sentiments of the time, reflecting the hopes, dreams, and struggles of a developing nation on the silver screen. His contributions went beyond mere entertainment. His films often addressed important social issues, advocating for self-reliance, highlighting the struggles faced by marginalized communities, and promoting a sense of national pride and responsibility. He used the powerful medium of cinema not just to tell engaging stories but also to deliver meaningful messages, often holding a mirror up to society while simultaneously offering a hopeful vision for the future. His influence extended even to other filmmakers and actors.
A fascinating anecdote reveals how his insightful suggestion led to the creation of the iconic song “Khaike Paan Banaraswala” in Amitabh Bachchan’s hit film Don. When his former assistant, Chandra Barot, who was directing Don, showed the film to Manoj Kumar for his feedback, Manoj felt that the movie needed a musical interlude to provide some lighthearted relief. This suggestion proved to be a stroke of genius, contributing significantly to the film’s immense popularity and further solidifying Amitabh Bachchan’s superstar status. Even Shah Rukh Khan’s career, in a roundabout way, benefited from Manoj Kumar’s keen understanding of cinematic appeal.
In his later years, Manoj Kumar ventured into the realm of politics, carrying forward his ideals and his desire to serve the nation in a different capacity. However, it is undoubtedly for his significant and lasting contributions to Indian cinema that he will be most fondly remembered by generations of moviegoers. His extensive filmography stands as a powerful and nostalgic reminder of a time when idealism held a strong and influential place in the popular imagination.
He even experimented with unique cinematic techniques, such as the innovative use of the cyclorama, employing shadows projected behind a screen to enhance the narrative – a creative choice that demonstrated his willingness to explore different storytelling methods. One could recount countless stories and details about his life and work, truly capturing the essence of Manoj Kumar. While his personal life might have had its complexities, his impact on Indian cinema remains undeniable and deeply cherished.
