Actor Anupam Kher recently visited the residence of the late legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar to offer his condolences and pay his respects to the bereaved family.
Kher took to Instagram on Thursday to share a heartfelt post featuring a series of pictures from the visit, accompanied by a touching caption:
“Met #ManojKumar Ji’s friends and family!! And paid my tribute! Thank you #Manoj Ji for your contribution in my life! Both as an actor/director and as an Indian! Jai Hind! #Bharat #Patriot.”
Earlier, Kher had also posted a video reflecting on how deeply Manoj Kumar’s films influenced his early life and shaped his love for the country.
“The first film I saw in my life, which I remember very well, was Upkaar. Films were shown in our locality. So this film was my first introduction to Manoj Kumar ji,” Kher said in the video.
He further added,
“Manoj Kumar ji has a huge contribution in awakening the spirit of patriotism in my heart. India had become independent. It had been only 15-20 years and the fight for revolution, the freedom movement, everything was fresh. On top of that, Manoj Kumar ji’s films, that feeling of patriotism kept on deepening.”
Manoj Kumar passed away at 4:03 am on April 4 at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai after a prolonged illness. He was 86.
Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Manoj Kumar rose to become a towering figure in Indian cinema during the 1960s and 1970s. He earned the affectionate title “Bharat Kumar” for his iconic portrayals in patriotic films such as Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Shaheed.
Beyond acting, Kumar was also a celebrated director and producer. His directorial debut, Upkar (1967), won the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film. He continued to deliver critically and commercially successful films, including Purab Aur Paschim (1970) and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), both of which are considered classics of Indian cinema.
Manoj Kumar’s legacy remains etched in the hearts of millions as an artist who stirred patriotic pride and gave cinema a powerful voice for national sentiment.