Biography of Manoj Kumar

(July 24, 1937) 

Manoj Kumar was born in 1937 at Abbottabad in Northwest Frontier Province (Pakistan). His real name was Hari Krishna Goswami. He was a science undergraduate when he came to Bombay in 1956. Here he worked as a scriptwriter for various directors at a very nominal amount.

His film career as an actor took off in 1960. In 1962, he acted in ‘Hariyali Aur Raasta', which was a major hit. But it was with the film 'Himalaya Ki God Mein', released in 1965, he achieved stardom. In 1965, the film “Shaheed changed the course of Kumar's career. After this film, Lal Bahadur Shastri asked Kumar to make a film on the slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan' which later took shape in the film 'Upkar'. Then his films Purab Aur Pashim', 'Roti Kapda Aur Makan', 'Kranti' established him in the film industry as Mr. Bharat.

The film ‘Kranti’ proved his mastery over the art of film direction. Manoj Kumar's majority of films were based on socio-economic themes and patriotism, which were appreciated by the common man.