From travel to cinema! Manoj Kumar gave birth to the story of ‘Upkaar’ during Delhi-Mumbai trip

New Delhi.Today we are remembering Manoj Kumar, on whose death anniversary it is. He was known for his patriotism and his amazing ability to tell farmer-young story. He was also known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ in the film industry.

Struggle since childhood and path to acting

Manoj Kumar was born on 24 July 1937 in Abbottabad. Real name was Harikrishna Goswami. During the partition of 1947, his family came to Delhi and started living in a refugee camp. Since childhood, he was a big fan of Dilip Kumar and used to imitate him. During his college days, he also worked as a sewing machine engineer.

Mumbai’s beginnings and first success

Manoj Kumar reached Mumbai with the dream of acting. He made his debut in the year 1957 with the film ‘Fashion’. Five years later, he got his first major success with Vijay Bhatt’s ‘Hariyali Aur Raasta’. ‘Himalaya Ki Lap Mein’ released in 1965 gave him further strength.

In the same year he decided to make the film ‘Shaheed’ on Bhagat Singh. This film with Prem Chopra and lyricist Prem Dhawan was considered the most authentic on the life of Bhagat Singh.

Composition of ‘Upkaar’: In the train from Delhi to Mumbai

Manoj Kumar’s career had two aspects: the romantic hero and the patriotism-filled ‘Bharat Kumar’. Former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri had asked him, “Can’t a film be made on my slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’?”

While returning from Delhi to Mumbai, Manoj Kumar bought a register and new pens and wrote the story during the train journey. By the time we reached Mumbai from Delhi, the entire story of the film ‘Upkaar’ was ready.

Background of the song: ‘Mere Desh Ki Dharti Sona Ugle’

The most special among the songs of ‘Upkaar’ is ‘Mere Desh Ki Dharti Sona Ugle’. Lyricist Gulshan Bawra was a clerk in the Railways and this line was recorded in his diary while unloading sacks of wheat coming from Punjab. Later Manoj Kumar included it in the film. Mahendra Kapoor’s voice made this song immortal.

Later achievements

In 1970, Manoj Kumar made ‘Purab Aur Paschim’, which was based on the clash of Indian tradition and Western culture. This film was also highly appreciated.

Manoj Kumar brought alive the stories of patriotism and common man on screen. The story of ‘Upkar’ written in the train and songs like ‘Mere Desh Ki Dharti Sona Ugle’ still remind us of his contribution.