Manoj Kumar's Story: Sold House To Make Patriotic Films, Beaten A Doctor, 100 Cr. Notice To SRK

Manoj Kumar, AKA Bharat Kumar passed away on April 4, 2025, at the age of 87 due to prolonged illness. Here are some of his life's most interesting incidents and moments.

Manoj Kumar was born as Harikrishan Guru Goswami on July 24, 1937, into a Punjabi Hindu Brahmin family in Abbottabad. When Manoj was just 10, his family migrated from North-West Frontier Province, British India, to Jandiala Sher Khan in Delhi after the partition. After coming to Delhi, Manoj Kumar took admission to Delhi Univesity's Hindu College, from where he pursued a degree in Bachelor of Arts. However, after some time, he ventured into acting, and he made his first appearance on the big screen in the 1957 film, Fashion.

However, Manoj Kumar's first leading role was in Kaanch Ki Gudiya, and it was released in 1961. Despite working in a couple of films, Manoj Kumar couldn't taste the commercial success at the box office. Finally, in 1962, it was Vijay Bhatt's film, Hariyali Aur Rasta, that became the first hit of his film career. Manoj Kumar was paired opposite the ever-so-stunning actress, Mala Sinha, and the duo's chemistry in the film was absolutely spot on.

In the following years, Manoj Kumar delivered a series of memorable films like Shaadi, Dr. Vidya, Grahasti, Who Kaun Thi?, Shaheed, Himalay Ki God Mein, Gumnaam, Do Badan, Sawan Ki Ghata, Upkaar, Patthar Ke Sanam, Neel Kamal, Happy Go Lucky, Aadmi, Be-Imaan, Shor, Kranti, Roti Kapda Makaan, Sanyasi, and many more. For his incredible contribution to Indian cinema, Manoj Kumar was bestowed with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 1992. 

Manoj Kumar sold his luxurious Juhu bungalow to finance the patriotic film, Kranti

There's a reason why Manoj Kumar is given the nickname of "Bharat Kumar". The late legendary actor has given so much to the country and cinema. According to a report in News 18, Manoj Kumar sold his luxurious Juhu bungalow in order to arrange the budget for his directorial, Kranti, which was released in 1981. The film featured superstars like Dilip Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Parveen Babi, Hema Malini, Rati Agnihotri, Prem Chopra, and many more. The gamble paid off as Kranti broke the box office and cemented its legacy as one of the finest patriotic movies ever. 

Manoj Kumar made the iconic film, Upkaar on former Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri

For the uninitiated, after the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war, the then Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri, met Manoj Kumar and told him to make a patriotic movie around the iconic slogan, "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan". At the former PM's request, Manoj Kumar made the film, Upkaar, which received huge praise from critics and performed tremendously well at the box office, too. The film's song, Mere Desh Ki Dharti, went down in history as one of Indian cinema's most-loved patriotic songs.

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Manoj Kumar once beat a doctor and a nurse with a stick after they were delaying to give his mother the treatment

According to a report in ABP News, Manoj Kumar once revealed in an interview that during the partition, his mother and younger brother suffered some major injuries. When they reached the hospital, a doctor and a nurse were ignoring them despite their serious condition. After waiting for a long period of time, when Manoj Kumar couldn't take it anymore, he started beating the doctor and nurse with a stick in anger. Manoj's father quickly intervened, stopped his son from beating them, and told him to give him the vow that he would never indulge in violence ever again in his life. The actor promised him that he would never do such things again. 

Manoj Kumar's rift with Shah Rukh Khan after he imitated him in Om Shanti Om

The iconic actor, Manoj Kumar, indulged in a cold war with Shah Rukh Khan for some time when the actor imitated him during a small scene in Om Shanti Om. Shah Rukh did Manoj Kumar's signature hand-on-the-face pose in Om Shanti Om, which didn't go well with the iconic actor. As a result, Manoj Kumar filed a defamation suit of Rs. 100 crore against Shah Rukh. However, after the Badshah of Bollywood apologised to the iconic actor, Manoj Kumar forgave him, and that particular scene was deleted from the film. 

Manoj Kumar left this much wealth for his wife and children after his demise at 87

The legendary actor, Manoj Kumar, passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a huge void in Indian cinema. Talking about his personal life, Manoj Kumar is survived by his wife, Shashi Goswami and their two sons, Vishal Goswami and Kunal Goswami. According to a report in Siasat.com, Manoj Kumar left behind a staggering net worth of Rs. 170 crore for his wife and children. For the uninitiated, Manoj Kumar's son, Vishal, is a music producer, while Kunal is an actor-cum-businessman. 

No matter how many years pass by, Manoj Kumar's legacy will continue to inspire and awaken the feeling of patriotism in people for generations to come.

Also Read: Manoj Kumar And Sashi Goswami's Love Story, Saw Each Other Through Terrace To Stardom After Marriage