How Manoj Kumar Earned The Title of ‘Bharat’ Through Films That Defined His Patriotic Image

Manoj Kumar Death:  Veteran actor-director Manoj Kumar took his last breath on Friday at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. The actor left behind him a legacy of patriotic films that have shaped the view of many generations of love for the nation and its uniquely diverse unity. 

Manoj Kumar is known to make and act in films with the themes of nationalism, nation-building, and pride in India's rich heritage. His films inspired many to work for the nation, and his movies continue to stand as a source of motivation.  
Manoj Kumar became synonymous with India and patriotism, and his work won him the reverential title of ‘Bharat Kumar’ off-screen as well. Keep reading to know the complete story of how he earned the moniker of Bharat by his audience, and which films further cemented his patriotic image. 

How did Manoj Kumar become ‘Bharat’

In an interview with Lehren Radio, Manoj Kumar was in a conversation about his films and life where she shared the anecdote of earning the title and responsibility of being called ‘Bharat Kumar’. He recalled that it was after playing the role of a character called Bharat in the 1967 film Upkar, that people started calling him Bharat. 

Talking about the characters’ names he said, “Often, a good character's name stays with them. So, I thought, since India is an agricultural country, I'll name the character Bharat, and his life is connected to the fields. A girl enters his life, and it's as if a sparkling poem has arrived, which is why I named her Kavita.” 

“Bharat was named so because he lives in the village and this is the country of farmers. And the people of our country are so compassionate that if they like anything genuine and true then they give so much love and respect which no one else in the world gives. I was a simple boy, you people made me ‘Bharat’. You obliged me, and also placed a huge responsibility on me to live up to that image.”

Films that solidified his patriotic image

Manoj Kumar took the responsibility of the title of Bharat with grace and continued to be a part of the film which further solidified his patriotic image. 

Shaheed (1965)
Upkar (1967)
Purab Aur Paschim (1970)
Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974)
Kranti (1981)
Clerk (1989)
Jai Hind (1999)

According to the family of Manoj Kumar, his funeral will take place on 5 April in a private ceremony.