Manoj Kumar, an icon, a key figure in Hindi cinema’s golden era and a face that came to represent India’s patriotic spirit on screen, passed away on April 4 at the age of 87. He had been unwell for several years and breathed his last at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai.
Born Harikrishan Goswami in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Manoj Kumar's childhood was shaped by the partition and displacement. His family's move to Delhi eventually led him to Mumbai, where his fascination for cinema began. Watching Dilip Kumar in Shabnam set the course for his life as an actor. He adopted the screen name “Manoj” in homage to that role.
Legendary actor Manoj Kumar passed away at 87, leaving behind an unmatched legacy of patriotic cinemaInstagram/1000thingsinludhiana
Kumar began his film journey in the late 1950s, gradually climbing the ladder with movies like Hariyali Aur Rasta, Woh Kaun Thi? and Do Badan. But it was the 1965 film Shaheed, based on Bhagat Singh’s life, that gave a glimpse of the themes that would come to define him. That same year, a meeting with then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, who had just coined “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” inspired Kumar to direct Upkar, a film that made him a household name.
With Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, and later Kranti, Kumar carved out a space in Hindi cinema that few have occupied. These films went on to become a part of India’s cultural fabric. The track “Mere Desh Ki Dharti” from Upkar remains a staple on Independence Day playlists even today.
Fans and admirers mourn the loss of Manoj Kumar, whose films once stirred the nation’s soulInstagram/1000thingsinludhiana
His work earned him the title "Bharat Kumar" from the public and the highest honours from the industry, including the Padma Shri and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
In his final years, Kumar was mostly out of the public eye, battling age-related illnesses. His son, Kunal Goswami, shared that the veteran actor found joy in his grandchildren and stayed closely connected to family, despite his declining health.
A legendary face of Indian cinema — Manoj Kumar’s timeless contributions shaped Bollywood’s golden patriotic era
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Leaders and artists across India paid tribute, with Prime Minister Modi calling him an “icon of Indian cinema” whose films “ignited a spirit of national pride.”
The nation remembers Manoj Kumar, whose stories of sacrifice and pride became part of India’s cultural memoryInstagram/1000thingsinludhiana
Manoj Kumar’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday, with the last rites to be held at Pawan Hans in Mumbai. His legacy, however, lives on in celluloid, in song, and in the hearts of generations who saw India through his lens.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.