The iconic Indian film star who made ‘Bharat’ famous.

Manoj Kumar: A Cultural Hero and Romantic Hero

• Manoj Kumar, a renowned Indian filmmaker, passed away after a prolonged illness.

• Kumar’s films, including ‘Bharat’, were instrumental in shaping the cultural consciousness of the country.

• His films, like ‘Upkar’ and ‘Purab Aur Pachhim’, were influenced by his personal tragedy of losing his younger brother during riots.

• Kumar’s films often depicted the clash of cultures between village and city, East and West, and the East and West.

• His films, like ‘Shor’ and ‘Roti Kapada Aur Makaan’, espoused communal amity and kept issues of Roti Kapada Aur Makaan relevant at the box office.

• His films inspired a generation, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who paid a rich tribute to him.

• Kumar’s films, including ‘Shaheed’ and ‘Upkar’, portrayed youth disillusionment with the welfare state and the importance of family and village.

• Despite his patriotic image and moral stand, Kumar managed to escape the image trap by mixing up titles.

• His camera capture of the female figure in his films was a touch of titillation, with his depiction of rape in Roti Kapada Aur Makaan and Clerk being questioned.

• Kumar’s style and mannerisms became forced as critics panned his works as attempts to promote his brother and son.

• Despite his ideological stance moving further right, Kumar chose to remain away from the public eye, missing his singular vision.