The legendary Bollywood actor Manoj Kumar passed away, leaving millions of fans in mourning. Known for his patriotic films and remarkable performances, he was one of the most respected stars in Indian cinema. However, not many people know that his real name was Harikrishna Giri Goswami.
Manoj Kumar himself once shared the interesting story behind why he chose a different screen name. His inspiration came from none other than the legendary Dilip Kumar.
The Story Behind Changing His Name
In a candid conversation, Manoj Kumar once revealed why he decided to adopt a new name for the silver screen. The actor shared that he was deeply influenced by Dilip Kumar’s film “Shabnam” (1949). In the movie, Dilip Kumar played a character named Manoj.
Manoj Kumar Said:
“I was a huge fan of Dilip Kumar. When I watched his film ‘Shabnam’ and saw his character named Manoj, I liked the name so much that I decided to keep it for myself. I thought, if I ever become an actor, I will be known as Manoj Kumar.”
This decision, taken at the age of 12 or 13, later became a significant part of his identity in Bollywood.
A Childhood Dream Turned Reality
Manoj Kumar further said that he didn’t credit anyone else for his name change. Instead, he gave full credit to his childhood self, who had the dream of becoming an actor at such a young age.
His Words on the Decision:
“I don’t give the credit of my name to anyone else. It was my childhood dream. At 12 or 13 years old, I thought I would become an actor and keep my name Manoj Kumar. I worked in so many films, but I don’t remember my character’s name in all of them. Even Dilip Sahab acted in many films, and he probably doesn’t remember the names of all his characters either. But I always remember that childhood dream.”
This decision turned out to be one of the most defining moments of his career, as the name Manoj Kumar became synonymous with patriotism, dedication, and stellar performances in Indian cinema.
Why He Was Called ‘Bharat Kumar’
Manoj Kumar was not just an actor; he was a filmmaker who created nationalist and socially relevant films. His deep love for the country was reflected in his movies, which is why he earned the title ‘Bharat Kumar’ in Bollywood.
Some of his most iconic films that highlighted patriotism include:
🎬 Shaheed (1965) – Based on the life of Bhagat Singh
🎬 Upkar (1967) – A film inspired by Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”
🎬 Purab Aur Paschim (1970) – A story about Indian culture vs. Western influence
🎬 Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974) – Highlighting poverty and social issues
Through these films, Manoj Kumar not only entertained the audience but also instilled a sense of national pride.
Debut and Journey in Bollywood
Manoj Kumar made his Bollywood debut with the film “Fashion” (1957). Over the next few decades, he became one of the most successful actors and filmmakers in the industry.
His Career Highlights:
✅ Acted in over 50+ films
✅ Won seven Filmfare Awards
✅ Honored with the National Film Award
✅ Received the Padma Shri for his contribution to cinema
His journey in Bollywood was nothing short of extraordinary, and his films remain an inspiration for generations.
Manoj Kumar’s decision to change his name was a result of his admiration for Dilip Kumar, but it also became a turning point in his life. From a young boy dreaming of acting to becoming one of India’s most respected stars, his story continues to inspire.
