Manoj Kumar: Not Akshay Kumar, meet the original ‘Bharat Kumar’ who once called the name a burden on him

Born as Harikishan Giri Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad, which is now part of Pakistan, Manoj Kumar later changed his name to Manoj Kumar upon entering the film industry. His journey to stardom was not an easy one, as he faced numerous challenges and setbacks before achieving fame and recognition.
Manoj Kumar made his acting debut in the film Fashion in 1957, but it was his performance in the 1965 film Shaheed, based on the life of the great freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, that catapulted him to fame and earned him the moniker ‘Bharat Kumar.’ The film’s success established him as a patriotic symbol, and from then on, he became synonymous with movies that celebrated Indian culture, values, and the spirit of nationalism.Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Manoj Kumar starred in and directed several iconic films, including Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, and Kranti, which were not only commercially successful but also carried strong social messages. He became known for his unique style of storytelling that combined entertainment with a patriotic undertone, striking a chord with the masses.However, as the years went by, Manoj Kumar started feeling burdened by the title ‘Bharat Kumar.’ In various interviews, he expressed that while he was immensely proud of his contributions to patriotic cinema, he did not want to be limited to just that image. He yearned to explore different genres and portray diverse characters on screen.In a candid conversation during an interview, Manoj Kumar once said, I am grateful to the audience for showering me with love and admiration as ‘Bharat Kumar.’ However, being confined to just one image has been a burden on me as an artist. I want to explore different facets of acting and storytelling that go beyond the realm of patriotism.
True to his words, Manoj Kumar later took a step back from the limelight and chose to stay away from the film industry. Despite this, his impact on Indian cinema and the admiration he earned from fans across generations remain unparalleled.Today, as we celebrate the legendary actor’s birthday, let us remember Manoj Kumar’s contributions to Indian cinema and the profound influence he had on shaping the nation’s cinematic landscape. His films continue to inspire and entertain, reminding us of the rich cultural heritage and the importance of embracing our roots.Sourceu00a0 TOIAs we acknowledge the original ‘Bharat Kumar,’ let’s honor his artistic vision, versatility, and commitment to the craft, which continue to inspire actors and filmmakers in the industry today.
Manoj Kumar’s legacy as a true icon of Indian cinema will forever shine bright, reminding us of the power of storytelling to instill pride, patriotism, and social consciousness in the hearts of millions.Share your views in the comments