Latest news with #PurabAurPaschim
Gulf Today
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Art has always been a harbinger of harmony
Agha Riaz, Chief Sub-Editor The post-Partition Hindi films played a huge and effective role in calming the massively bruised feelings of Indians and Pakistanis. The two countries won freedom from the British rule in August, 1947. The independence was preceded by months of bloody riots, which triggered a mood of settled hatred on both sides of the border. But the balanced and the peace-loving took it upon themselves to work towards love and camaraderie. The world of arts was peopled with such individuals. And actor-director Manoj Kumar, who left the mortal world on April 4, was one such person. He used the vehicle of entertainment to reach out to the people across the border. And he succeeded in his goal. The massive response to the songs of his films in Pakistan establishes that. He is remembered for his patriotic, romantic, emotional and suspense-laden films. He was a great director too. He directed the film 'Kranti' (in which he played the lead role) which was one of the highest-grossing Hindi movies in the 1980s. It featured the late Dilip Kumar. 'The song 'Zindagi ki na toote ladi' (from the movie 'Kranti' ) was my mum's favourite,' said a pharmaceutical company's regional manager, Khudadad Khan. 'My late mum off and on said let's go for a long drive around the city (Karachi) and wanted to listen to the song at least 5 to 10 times, while on every tour.' Khudadad said, 'Manoj Kumar was the face of several iconic songs woven into our memories and his films are lessons.' Agha Subhani, another Pakistani fan living in Karachi, paid tribute to the legendary actor-director for his superhit songs from 'Upkar', 'Purab Aur Paschim' and 'Woh Kaun Thi?'. 'Whenever I have time, I always listen to or watch these movies and its songs. Earlier I used to watch movies through VCR (videocassette recorder), then DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) player and now these movies are on my iCloud (thanks to the latest technology). These are my favourite songs: Upkar: Diwanon Se Mat Poochho (Mukesh), Mere Desh Ki Dharti (Mahendra Kapoor), Kasme Wade Pyar Wafa (Manna Dey), Aayi Jhoomke Basant (Asha Bhosle, Manna Dey). Purab Aur Paschim: Koi Jab Tumhara Hriday Tod De (Mukesh), Dulhan Chali (Mahendra Kapoor), Purva Suhani Aayi Re (Lata Mangeshkar, Mahendra Kapoor, Manhar Udhas) Woh Kaun Thi?: Lag Jaa Gale Ki Phir Ye Haseen Raat Ho Na Ho, Jo Hamne Daastaan Apnee Sunaaee Aap Kyoon Roye, Nainaa Barse Rimjhim Rimjhim, Chhod Kar Tere Pyaar Kaa Daaman Ye Bataa De Ki Ham Kidhar Jaayein. Agha Subhani further said, 'Manoj Kumar was an Indian actor, film director, screenwriter, lyricist and editor who worked very hard in Bollywood. This continent, especially India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, will miss him.' 'Dus Numbri, Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan, BeImaan were the movies with the most melodrama and were crowd-pullers,' said a Pakistani landlord, Syed Shebaz Jilani. 'It is my opinion that if someone has not seen the movie 'Gumnaam', a suspense thriller that blended mystery with music, it means he or she has missed a lot. It was a box-office success and is still remembered for its eerie plot and the iconic track 'Gumnaam Hai Koi'. Other songs like Jaane Chaman Shola Badan, Pike Ham Tum Jo Chale, Khayalon Men, Aayega Kaun Yahan, Ek Ladki Hai Jisne, Gham Chhodke Manao Rang, Jan Pehchan Ho are all superhit songs. A Pakistani retired police officer, Sardar Shah, said, 'Manoj Kumar was a great actor and my favourite too. His movie 'Himalaya Ki God Mein', was set in the lush valleys of the Himalayas. It was a romantic drama in which he paired with Mala Sinha and featured a beautiful musical score. 'His another movie which is an all-time favourite for me is 'Do Badan', a romantic tragedy that was a major hit and proved his mettle in emotional roles. Asha Parekh was the lead lady. The film's song, especially 'Raha Gardishon Mein Hardam,' is soul-stirring.' He did and colourfully more for Indo-Pak friendship than many politicians.
Express Tribune
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Manoj Kumar ends final act at 87
Bollywood actor-director Manoj Kumar passed away on Friday at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, as per the BBC. Born Harikrishan Goswami, Kumar was 87 years old and died of "age-related health issues", according to Dr Santosh Shetty. The cause of death was cardiogenic shock following an acute myocardial infarction. His son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed that Kumar had been suffering from health issues for a while now. Bollywood mourns Many industry peers rushed to mourn Kumar's demise. Renowned actor Akshay Kumar, who is currently promoting his film Kesari Chapter 2, wrote on Instagram Stories, "I grew up learning from him that there's no emotion like love and pride for the country. And if we actors won't take the lead in showing this emotion, who will? Such a fine person, and one of the biggest assets of our fraternity. RIP Manoj Sir. Om Shanti." As per India Today, Dangal star Aamir Khan offered his condolences in a statement. "Manoj Kumar was not just an actor and filmmaker, he was an institution. I have learnt so much watching his films. His films were often based on important social themes, which brought him really close to the common man. My heartfelt condolences to his family (sic)," he said. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara actor Farhan Akhtar dedicated an Instagram post to the late actor's legacy, listing films that influenced the latter's stardom. "Woh Kaun Thi?, Gumnaam, Shaheed, Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Kranti - the list goes on and on. Thank you for the entertainment and for inspiring generations that followed you. RIP Manoj Kumar ji," Akhtar wrote. Singham star Ajay Devgn penned a heartfelt note for Kumar on Instagram. "Manoj Kumar ji was not just a cinematic icon - he was a personal milestone in my family's journey. He gave my father, Veeru Devgan, his very first break as an action director in Roti Kapada Aur Makaan. From there, their collaboration continued all the way to Kranti, creating moments that are now part of Indian cinema's golden history." Like Akhtar, Devgn also reflected on Kumar's filmography. "Manoj ji's films — Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Shor, Kranti — weren't just films, they were national emotions. His creative genius, unwavering patriotism, and storytelling depth set a benchmark that very few have matched." Devgn concluded, "As Indian cinema bids farewell to its Bharat Kumar - a storyteller, a patriot, and a legend. I also wish to say thank you for shaping my father's journey and for inspiring countless storytellers like me. Your legacy, Manoj ji, is eternal. Om Shanti." Famed filmmaker Karan Johar also tributed Kumar on Instagram Stories. "Today, we lost a Hindi cinema legend — Shri Manoj Kumar. It took me back to a screening of Kranti that I watched as a child, sitting excitedly on the floor with other kids and a packed screening room of filmmakers, actors, and industry giants," Johar reminisced. "This was the rough cut of the film — a 4-hour long version. Manoj ji was sharing his film at such an early stage, seeking feedback, seeking opinions for his ambitious motion picture. The film went on to create history at the box office," Johar wrote. The deceased veteran actor, popularly known as 'Bharat Kumar', is recognised for his patriotic contributions to the Indian cinema in 1960s and 1970s His mark on Bollywood earned him various accolades over the years, including the Padma Shri — the fourth highest civilian award in India. Kumar is survived by his wife, film producer Shashi Goswami, and two sons, Kunal and Vishal Goswami.
Express Tribune
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Veteran bollywood actor Manoj Kumar dies at 87 in Mumbai
Listen to article Veteran Bollywood actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, renowned for his iconic roles in films such as Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti, has passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai. He died on Friday at 3:30 am due to heart complications, with decompensated liver cirrhosis being the secondary cause, as confirmed by the medical certificate from Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Kumar, describing him as a "legendary actor" and a national icon, particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was reflected in his films. Kumar's works, which sparked national pride, will continue to inspire future generations, said PM Modi. Manoj Kumar, born in 1937 in Abbottabad, began his Bollywood career in 1957 and gained recognition with films like Gumnaam (1965) and Shaheed (1965). He also directed the acclaimed film Shor (1972), and won the Filmfare Award for Best Director in 1975 for Roti Kapada Aur Makaan. Kumar received several prestigious honours, including the Padma Shri in 1992, the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015. His death has left a deep void in the Indian film industry, with tributes pouring in from across the nation. Union Minister Rajnath Singh described him as a "versatile actor" whose films full of patriotism enriched Indian culture. Kumar's legacy in the Indian film industry is secure, with his patriotic roles and his contribution to Indian cinema continuing to inspire generations.
