Date of Birth: July 24, 1937
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Biography
Manoj Kumar, born Harikishan Giri Goswami, is a renowned Indian actor, director, and producer who has made significant contributions to Indian cinema. He was born on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad, which was then part of British India and is now in Pakistan. Manoj Kumar is best known for his patriotic films and his portrayal of the ideal Indian man. He adopted the screen name Manoj Kumar in tribute to the legendary actor Dilip Kumar, whose character in the film “Shabnam” was named Manoj. Manoj Kumar began his career in the late 1950s and gained fame with his performance in the film “Kaanch Ki Gudia” (1960). However, it was his role in “Shaheed” (1965), a film based on the life of Indian freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, that established him as a significant figure in Bollywood. His patriotic films, such as “Upkar” (1967), “Purab Aur Paschim” (1970), “Roti Kapda Aur Makaan” (1974), and “Kranti” (1981), earned him the nickname “Bharat Kumar.” Apart from acting, Manoj Kumar has also directed and produced several successful films. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 1992 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2016 for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.
5 Interesting Facts about Manoj Kumar
1. Manoj Kumar’s real name is Harikishan Giri Goswami.
2. He adopted the name Manoj Kumar in honor of actor Dilip Kumar’s character in the film “Shabnam.”
3. He is widely known as “Bharat Kumar” due to his portrayal of patriotic characters in his films.
4. Manoj Kumar was awarded the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2016.
5. His film “Upkar” (1967) was inspired by then-Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.”
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Manoj Kumar
1. “Patriotism is not just about standing up for the national anthem; it’s about standing up for the nation.”
2. “Cinema is a reflection of society, and as filmmakers, we have a responsibility to show the truth.”
3. “Success is not just about fame and money; it’s about making a difference.”
4. “In every character I play, I try to bring a piece of myself to make it real.”
5. “The essence of a good film is its ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Manoj Kumar’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million USD.
Children
Manoj Kumar has two sons, Vishal Goswami and Kunal Goswami. Kunal followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in acting.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia: Manoj Kumar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manoj_Kumar
2. [IMDb: Manoj Kumar](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0474710/
3. [Manoj Kumar at Bollywood Hungama](https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrity/manoj-kumar/
