Indian cinema has lost a true legend as veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar has passed away. Renowned for his patriotic films, Kumar gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh in the 1965 classic 'Shaheed'. His performance in the film remains one of the most celebrated depictions of the revolutionary leader, earning him immense praise from critics and audiences alike.
Manoj Kumar’s Emotional Meeting with Bhagat Singh’s Mother
In a past interview with Tehelka Haryana in 2002, Manoj Kumar opened up about a deeply moving encounter with Bhagat Singh’s mother, Vidyavati. The meeting took place in a hospital in Chandigarh, where she was admitted at the time. Accompanied by Shaheed's producer Kewal Kashyap, Kumar met Bhagat Singh’s younger brother, Kultar Singh, who introduced him to their mother and curiously asked if he bore any resemblance to her late son.
Recalling the moment, Kumar shared, “She looked at me, scanning every inch, as if trying to see if I could truly fit into her son’s role. After a pause, she slowly said, ‘Yes, he does look like him.’ I felt a rush of happiness inside me.”
However, several other accounts of interview suggest that Vidyavati( Bhagat Singh's mother) first stated, "No, no one can be like my son, Bhagat," and she later spoke about Manoj Kumar looking a bit like Bhagat Singh.
Following this, an overwhelmed Manoj Kumar laid his head on Vidyavati’s lap, and the two cried together for a long time. The actor later revealed that after pouring his heart out, he even fell asleep on her lap. This moment left a profound impact on Kumar, fueling his dedication to portraying Bhagat Singh with absolute sincerity in Shaheed. Many critics later attributed the depth and earnestness of his performance to this emotional connection with Bhagat Singh’s mother.
The Making and Impact of Shaheed
Shaheed, released in 1965, was directed by S. Ram Sharma and produced by Kewal Kashyap. The film featured a stellar cast, including Manoj Kumar, Kamini Kaushal, and Pran, and was widely praised for its realistic and emotionally charged storytelling. The film’s music score, composed by Prem Dhawan, also played a crucial role in amplifying its impact. Notably, some of the film’s songs were penned by freedom fighter Ram Prasad Bismil, adding an authentic patriotic touch to its narrative.
On its release, Shaheed emerged as a major commercial and critical success, ranking as the eleventh highest-grossing film of 1965. The film was lauded for its stirring performances, impactful storytelling, and soul-stirring music. At the 13th National Film Awards, Shaheed won the prestigious Best Feature Film in Hindi award, further solidifying its status as one of Indian cinema’s greatest patriotic films.
Manoj Kumar’s Legacy in Indian Cinema
Manoj Kumar's name became synonymous with patriotism in Bollywood, earning him the title of "Bharat Kumar". His portrayal of Bhagat Singh in Shaheed was just one of many films where he depicted strong nationalist characters, inspiring generations of audiences. His contribution to Indian cinema remains unparalleled, and his films continue to be a source of inspiration and national pride.
With his passing, India has lost not just a cinematic legend but also an artist who brought history to life on screen. His legacy, however, lives on through films like Shaheed, ensuring that his impact on Indian cinema remains eternal.