Manoj Kumar (“Pandit-jee”) -- genius film-maker, actor (a homeopathic doctor) whose luminous legacy of songs- movies will always keep him ‘alive’ ! by Chaitanya Padukone

“Yeh 'deepak' jalaa hai, 'jalaa' hee rahega-- tumhaare liye” (soulful song from ‘Purab Aur Paschim’) Manoj Kumar  (also known as ‘Bharat Kumar’) has left us all in shock and grief. But Hari Krishan Goswami (his real name) has exited into ‘immortality’! The brightness of his luminous legacy of his variety of landmark musical movies. Most of them with social or patriotic messages will continue to entertain, educate and enlighten his loyal fans, retro cinema-lovers the masses and all young students of cinema. The multi-talented Manoj Kumar (also fondly called “Pandit-jee” in the film fraternity) was a great actor, genius visionary film-maker, a film editor, a philanthropic homeopathic doctor who cured thousands of patients.

 According to hospital medical reports, the cause of 87-year-old Manoj-jee’s sudden death was cardiogenic shock due to a severe heart attack. His mortal remains will be kept at his Juhu residence from Friday afternoon so that industry colleagues and all his fans can pay final respects. Cremation will most likely take place on Saturday afternoon, according to family sources. The reports also confirmed that Manoj had been battling a critical liver ailment in the past few months, which also contributed to his steady-declining health.

Personally for me, actor-director Manoj-jee and his musically-hit movies like ‘Upkar’ and ‘Purab Aur Paschim’ were an inspiration for me since my childhood. When I became a film-journalist, it was Manoj-jee’s former star-actor-son Kunal Goswami ( who is my good friend) who first introduced me to his legendary father. Eminent TV serials producer Manish Goswami ( his cousin) also re-introduced me to Manoj-jee at one of his TV parties during the ‘late ‘80s. 

During the ‘90s Manoj-jee really surprised me, when he called me on my land-line early morning around 7am .just to give his positive and appreciative feedback on a topical news-story article I had written in  ('Mid-Day) Mumbai city English daily newspaper. Like Akshay Kumar he was also an 'early-morning-riser). During our telephonic conversation, I was having lower back-pain. I casually mentioned to Manoj-jee that I  was having this problem. due to continuous sitting in the office-chair. That was when he advised me to get a combination of different homeopathic pills from a nearby homeo-pharmacy and then call him up after seven days..  In fact just after five days I got major relief and I called him  “Dr,.Manoj-saab”  and thanked him.

During our conversation,in the '90s, I remember Manoj-jee had shared with me that "its actually the good story,script, cinematic-treatment, melodious songs-picturisations and overall entertaining content which always makes any movie a super-hit with repeat value. It's definitely not just the presence of big stars".  How realistic and relatable even in today's times!  

The last time I personally met honourable Manoj-jee and got his blessings, when he arrived sitting on a wheelchair, with his friendly son Kunal Goswami for the 2019 edition of BFJA- Power Brands Awards event hosted by Dr.Arindam Chaudhari at Hotel Novotel-Juhu. At this star-studded late evening event, Manoj Kumar was awarded amidst thunderous applause with the Life-Time Achievement Award ( 2019) as the Cinema Icon. When I was later felicitated on stage for being on the “esteemed Awards Jury Panel” --Awardee Manoj-jee, who was seated in the front row audience waved out to me and later I went towards him and took his blessings. “Khoob tarakki karo, beta” Manoj-jee said and smiled.

Thanks so much MANOJ--Jee, Your priceless blessings will always be cherished by me. “Laakhon taare, aasmaan mein, ek magar—Inspiring Star”-- woh Aap hamesha hamare liye rahoge !

Manoj Kumar’s Top Twelve movies : Shaheed,  Himalaya Ki Godmein,  Woh Kaun Thi, Hariyali Aur Raasta, Gumnaam, Upkaar, Purab Aur Paschim, Aadmi, Kranti, Shor, Roti Kapda aur Makaan, Beimaan.

Read also:

• Rakul Preet Singh Opens Up About Her Injury: "I Still Haven't Fully Recovered"
• South Superstar Allu Arjun to Appear in Dual Roles in Atlee's ‘A6’
• Sunny Deol’s Arshad Warsi ‘Bhaiyaji Superhit’ Set for a Grand Re-Release on 10th April 2025
• Sneak Peek of Tonight’s Episode: Bhide’s ‘fruit’ful surprise turns into a shock!

Manoj Kumar Travel Story | Manoj Kumar Passes Away | Manoj Kumar news | Manoj Kumar Interview | manoj kumar died | manoj kumar death news | manoj kumar death date | Manoj Kumar Biography