Manoj Kumar Death: 5 Best Bharat Kumar Patriotic Films To Watch
Manoj Kumar died on Friday, April 4, at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai due to heart-related complications.
Veteran actor Manoj Kumar, one of Indian cinema’s most revered figures, passed away at the age of 87. He breathed his last at 3:30 AM on Friday, April 4, at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, with heart-related complications cited as the cause of death.
Over the years, Manoj Kumar became popular among audiences for his powerful performances, especially in films that stirred feelings of patriotism. His contribution to cinema was recognised with honours like the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015. Fondly called “Bharat Kumar" by fans, he gave Hindi cinema some unforgettable patriotic films.
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Here’s a look at five of his most memorable patriotic films.
Shaheed (1965)
Directed by S Ram Sharma, Shaheed brought Bhagat Singh’s story to life with Manoj Kumar in the lead role. It also starred Kamini Kaushal, Pran, Iftekhar, Nirupa Roy, Prem Chopra, Madan Puri and Anwar Hussain in supporting roles. Shaheed was praised for its powerful storytelling and won the National Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi at the 13th National Film Awards. It remains one of the finest films on Bhagat Singh.
Upkar (1967)
This was Manoj Kumar’s first film as a director and it became one of his most loved works. Inspired by Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan," the film shows the importance of farmers and soldiers. Alongside Kumar, the film starred Asha Parekh, Prem Chopra, Pran, Kamini Kaushal and Madan Puri. The song Mere Desh Ki Dharti from the film became a patriotic anthem that is often played during Independence and Republic Day celebrations. The film won the National Award for Second Best Feature Film and was later remade in Telugu as Padipantalu in 1976.
Purab Aur Paschim (1970)
In this film, Manoj Kumar took on the role of both director and lead actor. The film focuses on the difference between Indian and Western culture and how Indian values remain strong even when people move abroad. It also features Saira Banu, Ashok Kumar, Pran and Prem Chopra. The song Bharat Ka Rehnewala Hoon became a patriotic favourite and is still remembered today.
Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974)
Manoj Kumar took on multiple roles in this film, not just as the lead actor but also as the writer, director and producer. The movie’s title comes from a Hindi phrase that represents life’s basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. It became well-known in the late 1960s when former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi used it during the 1967 general elections. Alongside Manoj Kumar, it featured Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman, Shashi Kapoor and Moushumi Chatterjee. The film remains one of Bollywood’s most impactful films.
Kranti (1981)
Another film directed by Manoj Kumar, Kranti was a historical drama set in 19th-century British India. It follows the story of men who led the struggle against British rule between 1825 and 1875. The film featured a star-studded cast such as Dilip Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Shatrughan Sinha, Hema Malini and Parveen Babi.
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