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Manoj Kumar: What is patriotism in Bollywood, really? A tricolor-filtered Instagram clip, a dramatic monologue, or perhaps an action hero defeating the enemy all by himself in a flashy war scene. But well before Bollywood discovered how to glamorize the nation at the box office, there was someone who breathed and lived the concept of Bharat—and took it to us in soulful, meaningful cinema. That someone was Manoj Kumar.

To Gen Z, the name would ring a hazy bell—usually shortened to “the actor who only looked sideways in every other scene” (yes, the legendary profile shot!) or the one Shahrukh Khan made fun of in Om Shanti Om. But here’s the reality check: Manoj Kumar was not merely another thespian. He was an era. He was the first Deshbhakt of Bollywood—long before it was trendy, long before it was sellable, and most importantly, long before it was commercialized.

So, let’s rewind. And this time, Gen Z, keep your AirPods in and your chai ready. You’re about to meet the man who defined national pride in Indian cinema.

A Freedom Fighter At Heart (Even On Screen)

Born Harikrishna Giri Goswami in Abbottabad (present-day Pakistan), Manoj Kumar was severely affected by the partition. His family had to shift to Delhi during the unrest—a personal experience that would go on to influence his vision as a filmmaker.

His film introduction might have been humble, yet his move toward patriotic films was aggressive and intent. With Shaheed (1965), when he essayed the role of Bhagat Singh, India received a biopic with character and poise. It was not a fast-paced chase nor an adrenaline booster—it was one of ideology, sacrifice, and unshakeable faith in a nation.

This was just the beginning.

The Bharat Trilogy: Upkaar, Purab Aur Paschim & Kranti


1. Upkaar (1967):


Inspired by Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, Manoj Kumar not only acted in Upkaar but also wrote and directed it. This film wasn’t just a hit—it became a mirror to rural India and gave Indian farmers the cinematic respect they’d long been denied.
The song “Mere Desh Ki Dharti” still echoes in every patriotic playlist today.

2. Purab Aur Paschim (1970):


Here, he compares the value system of traditional India with Western modernity. He’s not judging change but cautioning us not to forget our roots in the name of “cool”.
Sound familiar? It’s what we now refer to as cultural appropriation vs. cultural appreciation.

3. Kranti (1981):


One of the widest hits of that era, Kranti brought India together for a single cause—freedom. It was never preachy. It was resounding.
Manoj Kumar taught us not only a lesson from history but went ahead and combined the legendary stalwarts Dilip Kumar and Shashi Kapoor towards the cause.

Patriotism with Purpose, Not Propaganda

Today, patriotism in cinema is typically loud—bombastic background music, almost jingoistic, and repetitive in its messaging. But Manoj Kumar’s brand of patriotism was poetic, intimate, and often philosophical.

He didn’t only ask questions—he provided context. Why are we proud of our country? What does it mean to serve the nation? Where do our farmers and soldiers place in our social order? These are questions Upkaar and Purab Aur Paschim asked without screaming at the audience.

There was no CGI, no green screens, and no 100-crore budgets—just good old storytelling, emotion, and intent.

The Side Profile Meme Was a Statement

Yes, the side pose became his trademark. And yes, even Shahrukh aped it with good-natured nudges. But this is a little-known fact: that side profile wasn’t vanity—it was vulnerability. Manoj Kumar used to say in interviews that he wanted to present dignity and humility in his characters. Looking straight at the camera felt aggressive; the side profile tamed the delivery. It made him less of a “hero” and more of a “voice.”

We speak of style choices in 2025—well, he was making it happen in the 60s. Iconic pre-iconic was a hashtag.

Why Gen Z Ought to Know Manoj Kumar

Let’s be honest—today’s content is quicker, glitzier, and more international. But Manoj Kumar’s films are a slow burn. The kind that lingers. As India keeps struggling with identity, nationalism, and culture wars, we need more creators, writers, and thinkers like him, those who can be proudly rooted without being inflexible and patriotic without being didactic.

His work reminds us that you don’t require 10 million followers to ignite a revolution—just a powerful story and an even more powerful intent.

Manoj Kumar: Forgotten, But Shouldn’t Be

Though he was given the Padma Shri and Dadasaheb Phalke Award, mainstream media hasn’t honored Manoj Kumar the way it should. In a world where trending dances and viral tweets dominate headlines, we forget the artists who constructed the pillars of Indian storytelling. His films are not just old reels collecting dust—they’re lessons waiting to be rediscovered. Lessons in dignity, simplicity, and the kind of courage that doesn’t need a punchline.

Where to Start Watching

If you’re Gen Z and new to Manoj Kumar’s world, here’s a quick binge list:

Upkaar (1967)—Start here. It’s his heart and soul in film form.

Purab Aur Paschim (1970)—A reminder that westernization without roots can feel empty.

Kranti (1981)—For the thrill, the scale, and the storytelling.

Shaheed (1965)—Understand Bhagat Singh through eyes that respected the revolution.

Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan (1974)—The film is about a family that Bharat (Manoj Kumar) attempts to provide for after falling into a financial struggle.

Available on YouTube and various OTT platforms—just search, and you’ll find cinematic gold.

In Conclusion: A Man Called Bharat

Manoj Kumar was born Harikrishna Giri Goswami; he once revealed the secret behind his stage name: 'I watched Dilip Kumar's film…' | Bollywood News - The Indian Express

Manoj Kumar didn’t merely act in movies—he acted upon what he stood for. He was Bharat on screen—not the chest-beating type, but the type that existed in the earth, the melodies, and the silences of his work.

So let’s not forget him. Let’s see him, speak about him, and learn from him.

Because if Bollywood has a true Deshbhakt, it’s Manoj Kumar. And this legendary deshbhakt passed away today (04/04/2025) at the age of 84. And if Gen Z is interested in learning about India beyond flags and filters, he’s a good starting point.

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