Bollywood veteran actor Manoj Kumar has passed away. With his impressive performance, he ruled the hearts of the audience for several decades. In his long film career, Manoj Kumar acted in many types of films, but he is especially remembered for films in which important issues related to society and country were raised. One of the biggest reasons for the popularity of Manoj Kumar’s films was his great music. Even today, songs of his films are heard everywhere on national festivals like 15 August or 26 January. The songs filmed on Manoj Kumar like ‘Hai Preet Jahan Ki Reet Sada’ and ‘Mere Desh Ki Dharti Sona Ugle’ are still in the hearts of people. Let’s take a look at his memorable films.
Martyr (1965)
Inspired by the great revolutionary martyr Bhagat Singh of the country, Manoj Kumar played his role in this film. Many people call ‘Shaheed’ as his best film. The film also received the National Award for Best Film in the Hindi category.
Upkar (1967)
‘Upkar’ was also directed by Manoj Kumar and he also played the lead role in this film. The Upkar was well received by the audience and critics and was awarded the Filmfare Awards in many categories like Best Film, Best Director, Best Katha and Best Samvad. It was only after the immense success of the benevolence, Manoj Kumar came to be known as Bharat Kumar, because his character in this film was also named India. This film was the first film based on the slogan of Jai Jawan-Jai Kisan, which presented the important contribution of soldiers to the world along with the problems of the farmers.
East and West (1970)
Manoj Kumar himself produced a patriotic film like ‘East and West’. The film told the life of Indians settled abroad and their patriotism. This was the time when people were very fond of watching patriotic films in theater after being freed from the British long slavery.
Bread Cloth and House (1974)
After the Indo-Pakistan war in Manoj Kumar’s another hit film Roti Tapa and House, the deteriorating economy and rising unemployment problem was presented in a very poignant manner. Released in 1974, the film raised the issue of basic needs of the common man – bread, cloth and house very seriously.
Revolution (1981)
Manoj Kumar’s film Kranti is a great historical film to awaken the spirit of patriotism. In this film, he showed the atrocities of British rule effectively. The film played important roles by veteran actors like Dilip Kumar, Hema Malini, Shatrughan Sinha and Shashi Kapoor. Kranti is still remembered today for its strong music, magnificent acting of artists and scenes of war filmed on ships.