Manoj Kumar’s life was a testament to the power of resilience. Born on July 24, 1937, in Abbotabad, he faced the harsh realities of partition at a young age. His family was torn apart, and he witnessed the brutality of the times. Despite this, Manoj Kumar’s parents decided to stay in India, and he grew up in Delhi.
Manoj Kumar’s journey to becoming a legendary actor was not easy. He began his career in theater and eventually made his way to Mumbai. His breakthrough role came in 1964 with the film “Shaheed,” which told the story of Bhagat Singh. This film marked a turning point in his career, and he went on to make a name for himself in Bollywood with films like “Upkar,” “Purab Aur Paschim,” and “Kranti.”
A Childhood Marked by Partition
Manoj Kumar’s childhood was marked by the trauma of partition. He recalled the days when his family had to flee their home and take shelter in a refugee camp in Delhi. His mother gave birth to a brother during this time, but the baby did not survive due to the lack of medical care. Manoj Kumar was devastated and even attempted to confront the hospital staff, but his father intervened and taught him the importance of non-violence.
A Passion for Patriotism
Manoj Kumar’s experiences during partition had a profound impact on his life and work. He became passionate about patriotism and sought to express it through his films. He spent hours researching and learning about Indian history, including the life of Bhagat Singh. He even visited the Hindu newspaper’s library in Madras to read about Singh’s life and times.
A Tribute to Bhagat Singh
The film “Shaheed” was a tribute to Bhagat Singh, and Manoj Kumar’s performance earned him critical acclaim. The film won several awards, including the National Award for Best Hindi Film and the National Integration Award. Manoj Kumar invited Bhagat Singh’s mother, Vidyavati, to the award ceremony, where she was honored by the audience. Even Indira Gandhi, the then-Prime Minister, attended the ceremony and paid her respects to Vidyavati.
Manoj Kumar’s legacy continues to inspire audiences today. His films remain a testament to his passion for patriotism and his commitment to telling stories that matter. Despite facing many challenges in his life, he remained true to his art and left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.