Manoj Kumar, the heartthrob of Indian cinema, had a humble beginning in Vijay Nagar’s D-Block, house number 29. His family, including his father Harbans Lal Goswami, had moved to this house after migrating from Pakistan during the partition in 1947. Manoj’s family hailed from Abbottabad, the same town where Osama bin Laden was later found hiding.
Growing up, Manoj was known as “Gullu” to his neighbors, who adored him for his striking looks – fair skin, curly hair, and tall stature. Dr. Harish Khanna, a former member of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, recalls that Manoj’s father was fondly called “Bau Ji” by the locals. The family had initially lived in refugee barracks in Delhi before moving to Vijay Nagar. Manoj’s dream was to make it big in films, and his father eventually sent him to Mumbai to pursue his passion.
Manoj’s journey to stardom wasn’t easy, but he persevered, and his hard work paid off. He went on to become a successful actor, writer, director, and producer, with hits like Upkar, Shahid, Purab Aur Pashchim, and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. His first film, Fashion, may not have been a leading role, but it marked the beginning of an illustrious career.
Manoj’s Ties to Vijay Nagar
Despite his success, Manoj never forgot his roots. In an interview, he revealed that his family maintained a home in Vijay Nagar for many years, even after he moved to Mumbai. His younger brother had been treated at St. Stephen’s Hospital, and the family remained connected to the Delhi Brotherhood Society, which founded the hospital. Manoj even purchased a luxury flat in Sagar Apartments on Tilak Marg, where he would often host his friends from Vijay Nagar.
The Village Where “Mere Desh Ki Dharti” Was Filmed
One of Manoj’s most iconic songs, “Mere Desh Ki Dharti Sona Ugle,” from the film Upkar (1967), was shot in Nangla Thakran village on the outskirts of Delhi. The song showcased rural India’s agricultural landscape and the life of farmers. Manoj had wanted to film the song in Jonti village, but it wasn’t possible due to various reasons. Jonti, incidentally, is known for its contributions to the Green Revolution, with Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in Pusa developing high-yielding wheat varieties that transformed the country’s agricultural landscape. Manoj’s connection to Jonti was personal, too, as his mother-in-law, Savita Behan, was a prominent Congress leader who had contested the 1972 elections from Patel Nagar against Jan Sangh’s Jay Kumar Malhotra.