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Manoj Kumar: Named After A Film Character, Was Given The Title Of 'Bharat', Never Touched A Heroine
Manoj Kumar was one of the most talented actors to have graced Bollywood. His work touched several hearts, thus earning him love and accolades not just from the industry but also from his fans.
Manoj Kumar was an actor, filmmaker, lyricist and editor who made a big name for himself with his immense contribution to the film industry. The actor was known for making and acting in films that followed the themes of patriotism. While the actor's passing on April 4, 2025, left a huge hole in the hearts of all his fans, let's take a look into his journey in Bollywood and how Harikrishna Giri Goswami became Manoj Kumar.
Manoj Kumar was honoured with several accolades during his run in the entertainment industry. The actor had not just received Filmfare Awards but was also bestowed with a National Film Award. Manoj also received Padma Shri in 1992, and in 2015, he was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, which is considered the highest award in the field of Indian cinema.
Manoj Kumar chose his name after Dilip Kumar's character in a film
How did the actor choose the name Manoj Kumar? For himself, he has always had an adorable backstory. Manoj was a big fan of Dilip Kumar, Ashok Kumar and Kamini Kaushal. The actor admired their contribution so much that he decided to pay his respects to Dilip Kumar by adopting his character's name. Dilip has essayed the role of 'Manoj Kumar' in his 1949 film, Shabnam. Harikrishna, impressed by the work done by the legendary actor, took the name and hence was born the star, Manoj Kumar.
Manoj Kumar was honoured with the title of 'Bharat Kumar' by his fans
Manoj Kumar had once addressed the title of 'Bharat Kumar' that was bestowed upon him by his fans. The actor acknowledged the honour came with a deep sense of responsibility and hence always made sure to stand by the integrity of the title. In an interview with Lehren Retro, the actor shared how he got the title of 'Bharat'. He revealed that the name came from his portrayal of the character 'Bharat' in the film, Upkar, which was released in 1967. His phenomenal portrayal led the public to affectionately associate him with the name, eventually earning him the revered title of 'Bharat Kumar'.
Manoj Kumar chose the name 'Bharat Kumar' for his film as an homage to the farmers in the country
Manoj Kumar had once shared that if an actor plays a character well, the name often stays with them. So, when he named the character 'Bharat,' he thought of India as an agricultural country and how his character came from a similar background. The actor revealed that he had done the same when he named the female lead, 'Kavita'. He stated that when she entered his life, it was as if a sparkling poem had arrived. He further stated:
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"Bharat isiliye rakha tha bharat gaon mein basta hai, and yeh kisano ka desh ka hai. Aur humare desh ki public itni dayalu hai ke unko koi cheez genuine aur achi laagti hai aur sachi laage toh woh itna pyaar and izzat dete hain jo duniya mein koi nahi deta. Main toh seedha saadha ladka tha, aap logun ne Bharat bana diya. Ehsaan kiya, bhooj bhi dal diya ke uss image ko nibhane ke liye mushkil hogaya."
Manoj Kumar further shared how since he got the title, he refrained from touching a heroine on screen. He added that it was about doing right by the honour which was given to him. He stated that if he wanted to talk about ideals, he couldn't be involved in topics that contradicted the seriousness of the name because no one would've taken him seriously.
Manoj Kumar passed away at the age of 87
Manoj Kumar passed away at the age of 87 on April 4, 2025. The actor took his last breath at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. According to a report by ANI, he died at 4:03 am, and his mortal remains will be kept at his Juhu residence for peers and fans to pay their final respects.
Manoj Kumar's contribution and dedication to the craft is a testament to his passion and discipline. Let us know what your thoughts are on him being honoured with the title of 'Bharat Kumar'.
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