# Manoj Kumar filmography
Manoj Kumar's filmography spans acting, directing, writing, producing, and editing in [Hindi cinema](https://www.edgepedia.org/hindi-cinema). Born Harikrishna Giri Goswami, he became especially associated with patriotic films, while also appearing in thrillers and social dramas. His screen debut was in *Fashion* (1957), and *Upkar* (1967) was his directorial debut.[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006370/) • [2](https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=137345) • [3](https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/know-your-bharat/article8337316.ece)
## Career overview
Kumar's patriotic screen image developed with *[Shaheed](https://www.edgepedia.org/shaheed-1965-film)* (1965), in which he portrayed [Bhagat Singh](https://www.edgepedia.org/bhagat-singh). After the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri encouraged him to make a film around the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.” The resulting *Upkar* combined the roles of farmer and soldier and brought Kumar major Filmfare recognition as well as a National Film Award.[2](https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=137345) • [4](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/manoj-kumar-og-bharat-kumar-who-made-upkar-at-pm-lal-bahadur-shatris-request-sold-his-house-to-make-patriotic-films-9471819/) • [5](https://www.bbc.com/hindi/articles/c62j34p2e0go)
His filmmaking extended beyond performance. *Roti Kapda Aur Makaan* (1974), which he wrote, directed, and produced, addressed social and economic pressures and featured an ensemble including [Zeenat Aman](https://www.edgepedia.org/zeenat-aman), Shashi Kapoor, and [Amitabh Bachchan](https://www.edgepedia.org/amitabh-bachchan). *Kranti* (1981) featured [Dilip Kumar](https://www.edgepedia.org/dilip-kumar) under his direction.[6](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/10-best-films-of-manoj-kumar-a-journey-through-patriotism-emotion-and-mystery/articleshow/119964157.cms) • [2](https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=137345) • [5](https://www.bbc.com/hindi/articles/c62j34p2e0go)
## Selected filmography
| Film | Year | Documented role or significance |
|---|---:|---|
| *Fashion* | 1957 | Screen debut |
| *Hariyali Aur Raasta* | 1962 | Actor |
| *Woh Kaun Thi?* | 1964 | Actor |
| *Shaheed* | 1965 | Actor, portraying Bhagat Singh |
| *Upkar* | 1967 | Actor and director; directorial debut |
| *Purab Aur Paschim* | 1970 | Actor and director |
| *Roti Kapda Aur Makaan* | 1974 | Actor, writer, director, and producer |
| *Kranti* | 1981 | Director |
These selected credits are documented by the government career summary, BBC Hindi, and film coverage and listings.[2](https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=137345) • [7](https://bollybourse.com/director/manoj-kumar) • [6](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/10-best-films-of-manoj-kumar-a-journey-through-patriotism-emotion-and-mystery/articleshow/119964157.cms) • [5](https://www.bbc.com/hindi/articles/c62j34p2e0go)
## Range and recognition
Alongside his patriotic films, Kumar appeared in thrillers including *Woh Kaun Thi?*, *Poonam Ki Raat*, and *Gumnam*. [The Hindu](https://www.edgepedia.org/the-hindu) also identifies *10 Numberi* and *Be-imaan* as attempts to work beyond his established patriotic image.[3](https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/know-your-bharat/article8337316.ece)
The Indian government selected Kumar for the [Dadasaheb Phalke Award](https://www.edgepedia.org/dadasaheb-phalke-award) for 2015, recognizing his contribution to cinema. Its announcement also noted his National Film Award for *Upkaar* and the [Padma Shri](https://www.edgepedia.org/padma-shri) awarded in 1992.[2](https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=137345)
## References
1. [Manoj Kumar - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006370/)
2. [Veteran Film Actor Shri Manoj Kumar to be conferred Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2015](https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=137345)
3. [Know your Bharat - The Hindu](https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/know-your-bharat/article8337316.ece)
4. [Manoj Kumar: The OG Bharat Kumar who made Upkar at PM Lal Bahadur Shastri's request](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/manoj-kumar-og-bharat-kumar-who-made-upkar-at-pm-lal-bahadur-shatris-request-sold-his-house-to-make-patriotic-films-9471819/)
5. [मनोज कुमार: भिखारी के रोल से 'भारत कुमार' तक, कहानी हरिकिशन गोस्वामी की](https://www.bbc.com/hindi/articles/c62j34p2e0go)
6. [10 Best films of Manoj Kumar: A Journey through patriotism, emotion, and mystery](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/10-best-films-of-manoj-kumar-a-journey-through-patriotism-emotion-and-mystery/articleshow/119964157.cms)
7. [Manoj Kumar (Director): Premada Oorali & All Movies](https://bollybourse.com/director/manoj-kumar)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Arts and culture › Screen and stage › Film and television › Awards and screen reference › Individual filmographies › South Asian filmographies*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 18, 2026; Sep 30, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Edited: Sep 18, 2026; Sep 30, 2026; Oct 11, 2026; Oct 15, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Last review: Oct 25, 2026*
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