Lesser-Known Facts About Veteran Bollywood Actor Manoj Kumar

By Umesh M

| Updated: Friday, April 4, 2025, 10:02 [IST]

Explore six fascinating unknown facts about veteran Bollywood actor Manoj Kumar. From his real name and Partition struggles to his directorial debut inspired by a Prime Minister, uncover the story behind the legend known as Bharat Kumar.

Lesser-Known Facts About Veteran Bollywood Actor Manoj Kumar

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Manoj Kumar was born as Harikrishna Giri Goswami in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan). He adopted the screen name "Manoj Kumar" inspired by a character played by his idol, Dilip Kumar, in the 1949 film Shabnam.

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During the Partition, Manoj Kumar's family fled to Delhi, enduring immense hardships. Tragically, he lost his infant brother during the violence, a traumatic event that deeply influenced his patriotic and emotional storytelling.

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Before achieving stardom, Manoj Kumar worked as a ghostwriter in studios, earning just Rs 11 per scene. His first acting role was as a 90-year-old beggar in the 1957 film Fashion, which went largely unnoticed.

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After the 1965 Indo-Pak War, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri encouraged Manoj Kumar to create a film based on the slogan "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan." This led to his directorial debut with the iconic film Upkar in 1967.

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In 1989, Manoj Kumar made a bold move by casting Pakistani actors Mohammad Ali and Zeba in his film Clerk, showcasing his belief in the unifying power of art.

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Manoj Kumar was honored with the Padma Shri in 1992 and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2016. He received a standing ovation when he was brought on stage in a wheelchair to accept the latter, a testament to his enduring legacy.

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