In a heartfelt gesture, acclaimed actor Anupam Kher recently visited the residence of the late Manoj Kumar to express his condolences to the beloved actor and filmmaker’s family. Paying homage, Kher acknowledged the profound impact Kumar had on his life, both professionally and personally. This emotional tribute was shared through a series of poignant pictures on Kher’s Instagram account, reinforcing Kumar’s lasting influence on Indian cinema.
Kher’s social media post included a sincere message that paid homage to Kumar, celebrated for his significant contribution to the film industry, and his ability to inspire national pride. “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,” Kher wrote, echoing sentiments deeply meaningful to many who adored Kumar’s work.
Kumar, who passed away on April 4 after a prolonged illness, was commemorated by Kher in a touching video shared earlier. In this video, Kher reflected on his earliest memories of watching Kumar’s films, which deeply ingrained a sense of patriotism and love for the country within him. “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 shared, adding that Kumar’s movies played a vital role in cultivating his patriotic spirit.
Known as “Bharat Kumar,” Manoj Kumar was a towering figure in Indian cinema during the 1960s and 1970s. Born Harikrishan Goswami in present-day Pakistan, Kumar’s cinematic ventures left an indelible mark with films like Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Shaheed. His influential roles in these patriotic films ensured his status as an emblematic representation of Indian patriotism on the silver screen.
Beyond his acting accolades, Kumar’s brilliance extended to filmmaking. His directorial debut, Upkar, not only captivated audiences but also earned the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film. This marked the beginning of a successful directorial career, with films such as Purab Aur Paschim and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan reaffirming his excellence in storytelling and direction, achieving both critical and commercial acclaim.
As the industry mourns the loss of Manoj Kumar, Anupam Kher’s tribute underscores the profound impact Kumar had on generations of filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts. His legacy continues to inspire awe and reverence, ensuring his contributions to film and Indian culture remain celebrated.
