Veteran actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar’s brother, Manish R. Goswami, recently posted unseen photos commemorating the success of the iconic film “Upkar.” The first image captures their father receiving the National Award for producing “Upkar” from former President Zakir Husain in 1967.
In another throwback photo, a young Manoj Kumar is depicted alongside his father, engrossed in paperwork and likely discussing movies. “Upkar,” released in 1967, marked Manoj Kumar’s directorial debut and became a celebrated patriotic film in Indian cinema.
Inspired by Lal Bahadur Shastri’s “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” slogan, the movie portrayed the life of Bharat, a farmer and soldier symbolizing India’s spirit. Starring Manoj Kumar, Asha Parekh, Pran, Prem Chopra, and Kamini Kaushal, the film’s music by Kalyanji-Anandji produced timeless classics like “Mere Desh Ki Dharti” and “Kasme Vaade Pyar Wafa.”
“Upkar” garnered numerous accolades, including the National Film Award and multiple Filmfare Awards. Manoj Kumar, known as “Bharat Kumar” for his patriotic cinema, left a lasting legacy with films like “Shaheed,” “Purab Aur Paschim,” and “Kranti,” before passing away on April 4, 2025, at the age of 87.
