There was a point when one did feel that only Manoj Kumar knew what the problems in India were all about and only he held the solutions to them. There was never a better line that could tickle the political campaigner today than "Bharat ka rehne wala hoon, Bharat ki baat sunata hoon."

We have lost a true icon with the passing of Manoj Kumar. He was much more than just an actor who appeared on screen; for many Indians, he embodied the spirit and values of their nation. When people thought of a patriotic Indian on film, they often pictured Manoj Kumar, earning him the affectionate title of Bharat Kumar.

Born as Harikrishan Giri Goswami, he chose his screen name, Manoj Kumar, as a sign of his deep admiration for the legendary actor Dilip Kumar. This early inspiration eventually led him to work alongside his idol in the powerful film Kranti, a moment that surely marked a significant achievement in his career. While he showcased his acting abilities in a variety of roles, it was his self-directed films, often cantered around themes of patriotism, social responsibility, and strong moral principles, that truly cemented his place in Indian cinema history.

One of the most famous stories about Manoj Kumar highlights his profound connection to the nation's sentiments. Following the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, the then Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, made a heartfelt appeal to the film community to create movies that would resonate with his powerful slogan, "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan." This clarion call deeply moved Manoj Kumar. It is said that during a simple bus journey from Delhi to Mumbai, the entire story and screenplay of what would become the iconic film Upkar took shape in his mind.

This anecdote beautifully illustrates his........

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