Legendary actor Manoj Kumar, who passed away on April 5, 2025, was well-respected in the industry for his incredible work and had good relations with everyone. However, in 2008, he pressed defamation charges on superstar Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Farah Khan and openly shared how upset he was from both of them.
For the unversed, SRK and Farah Khan’s film ‘Om Shanti Om’ portrayed Manoj Kumar in a satirical way and the veteran actor openly shared that he felt insulted by it. Later, he pressed defamation charges on both of them when they failed to apologise to him.
In 2013, the veteran actor withdrew his case and his Manoj Kumar’s lawyer Rizwan Siddique said that SRK has assured him about removing the insulting scenes and giving an apology had failed to keep up his promise.
Manoj Kumar took his last breath at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Best known for his patriotic films, he gained the nickname ‘Bharat Kumar’. Apart from acting, he was also a film director, screenwriter, lyricist and editor. In 1992, he was honoured the Padma Shri in 1992 and Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.
He was best known for his roles in Upkar, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Purab Aur Pachhim, Woh Kaun Thi?, Gumnaam, Kranti, Mera Naam Joker, Patthar Ke Sanam, Shor and many more.
Also Read: RIP Manoj Kumar: 5 Immortal Movies Of The Legendary Actor That Will Remain In Our Hearts Forever
Manoj Kumar worked with several veteran actors like Hema Malini, Dilip Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Parveen Babi, Shatrughan Sinha, Saira Banu, Dharmendra, Sadhna, Asha Parekh, Ashok Kumar, Prem Chopra, Rekha, Mithun Chakraborty, and many more. He also directed seven movies including Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Shor and others.
The actor was born as Harikrishna Giri Goswami in 1937 in Lahore’s Abbottabad, in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. However, he changed his name to ‘Manoj Kumar’ after reportedly being inspired by Dilip Kumar and was a big fan of the late actor.
