Manoj Kumar Passes Away; 7 Lesser-Known Facts About The Late Legend
Veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai. He breathed his last at 3:30 am on Friday at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital due to heart-related complications. The secondary cause of death was decompensated liver cirrhosis, according to the hospital’s medical certificate.
Manoj Kumar Passes Away; 7 Lesser-Known Facts About The Late Legend
Manoj Kumar was a big name in Indian cinema, known for his patriotic films and emotional storytelling. As we remember him, here are 7 lesser-known facts about the legend:
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1. His Real Name Wasn’t Manoj Kumar
He was born as Harikrishna Giri Goswami in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan). He took on the name Manoj Kumar after a character played by his idol Dilip Kumar in the 1949 film Shabnam.
2. He Studied at Delhi University
Manoj Kumar graduated from Hindu College, which is part of the University of Delhi.
3. He Lived Through the Partition
His family moved to Delhi during the Partition riots. Tragically, he lost his baby brother during that time—a heartbreaking event that deeply impacted him and perhaps influenced the strong emotions in his films.
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7 Lesser-Known Facts About Manoj Kumar
4. His First Job in Film Was Unexpected
He began as a ghostwriter, earning just Rs 11 per scene. His first acting role? A 90-year-old beggar in the 1957 film Fashion—and he was only 19 at the time!
5. Upkar Was Inspired by a Prime Minister
After the 1965 Indo-Pak war, PM Lal Bahadur Shastri encouraged him to make a film based on the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kissan.” This led to Upkar (1967), his directorial debut, which became a huge hit.
6. A Man Who Kept His Word
Manoj Kumar once signed a two-film deal for Rs 11,000 per film. Even though he was later being paid in lakhs, he stuck to his original promise and charged the same amount for the second film. That’s rare loyalty in showbiz!
7. Honoured for His Work
He received the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award—India’s highest cinema honour—in 2015.
Some of his most loved films include Gumnaam, Woh Kaun Thi?, Himalaya Ki God Mein, Do Badan, Patthar Ke Sanam, Shaheed, Kranti and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan.
Manoj Kumar will always be remembered for his powerful storytelling and strong patriotic spirit. May he rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
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