Upkaar at 58: Manoj Kumar's brother shares rare 1967 National Award photos
Synopsis
Weeks after Manoj Kumar's death, his brother Manish R. Goswami has surfaced a never-before-seen photograph of their father receiving the 1967 National Award for Upkaar from President Zakir Husain — a rare family document of the moment a patriotic classic was formally recognised by the Indian state.
Key Takeaways
Goswami , brother of the late Manoj Kumar , shared rare archival photographs on Wednesday night from the making and recognition of Upkaar (1967).
One image shows the family's father receiving the National Award for producing Upkaar from President Zakir Husain in 1967 .
Upkaar was Manoj Kumar's directorial debut, inspired by PM Lal Bahadur Shastri's slogan 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan' .
The film starred Manoj Kumar , Asha Parekh , Pran , Prem Chopra , and Kamini Kaushal , with music by Kalyanji-Anandji .
Manoj Kumar, born Harikrishan Giri Goswami , passed away on 4 April 2025 at the age of 87 .
Television producer Manish R. Goswami, brother of the late veteran actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar, shared rare archival photographs on Wednesday night commemorating the legacy of the landmark patriotic film Upkaar (1967), offering a glimpse into a defining chapter of Indian cinema history.
The Rare Photographs
The first black-and-white image shows Manish's father receiving the National Award for producing Upkaar from former President Zakir Husain in 1967. Sharing the image, Manish wrote: 'My Respected Dad Receiving National Award for Film #Upkar for producing it, award given by Hon President Zakir Hussain Sahab in 1967.'
A second throwback image captures a young Manoj Kumar seated beside his father, both apparently absorbed in paperwork and what appear to be discussions about the film. Manish captioned it: 'Pic 59 years back film Upkar… National Award winner produced by my dad & Written & Directed by my brother Manoj ji.'
The Making of a Patriotic Classic
Upkaar, released in 1967, marked Manoj Kumar's directorial debut and was inspired by former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri's celebrated slogan 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan'. The film followed Bharat, a selfless farmer-turned-soldier embodying the spirit of the nation — a character that would come to define Manoj Kumar's screen persona and earn him the enduring nickname 'Bharat Kumar'.
The film featured a stellar ensemble including Manoj Kumar, Asha Parekh, Pran, Prem Chopra, and Kamini Kaushal. Its soundtrack, composed by Kalyanji-Anandji, produced timeless numbers such as Mere Desh Ki Dharti and Kasme Vaade Pyar Wafa, which remain fixtures of patriotic playlists decades later.
Awards and Legacy
Upkaar went on to win the National Film Award as well as multiple Filmfare Awards, cementing its place as one of the most celebrated films in Indian cinema. The photographs shared by Manish serve as a rare primary document of that recognition — a family receiving the nation's highest film honour from the President himself.
Remembering Manoj Kumar
Born Harikrishan Giri Goswami on 24 July 1937, Manoj Kumar built a career spanning seven decades, delivering classics such as Shaheed, Purab Aur Paschim, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, and Kranti. He passed away on 4 April 2025 at the age of 87. The photographs shared by his brother arrive just weeks after his passing, underscoring how deeply his work continues to resonate with those who knew him best.
Point of View
They reframe Upkaar not merely as a film milestone but as a family inheritance. What is often reduced to a footnote in Bollywood history — a 1967 National Award — here becomes a personal document, a father and son in a room making a film that would outlive them both. Mainstream obituaries focused on Manoj Kumar the star; these photographs quietly insist on the producer, the father, and the institution behind the icon.
NationPress
23 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What photographs did Manish R. Goswami share about Upkaar?
Manish R. Goswami shared two rare archival images: one showing his father receiving the National Award for producing Upkaar from President Zakir Husain in 1967, and another of a young Manoj Kumar seated with his father, apparently discussing the film. Both were shared on his social media account on Wednesday night.
What is the significance of the film Upkaar?
Upkaar (1967) was Manoj Kumar's directorial debut and one of the most celebrated patriotic films in Indian cinema. Inspired by PM Lal Bahadur Shastri's 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan' slogan, it won the National Film Award and multiple Filmfare Awards, and its songs remain cultural touchstones.
Who were the cast and crew of Upkaar?
The film starred Manoj Kumar, Asha Parekh, Pran, Prem Chopra, and Kamini Kaushal. It was written and directed by Manoj Kumar, produced by his father, and featured music by Kalyanji-Anandji, including the iconic song Mere Desh Ki Dharti.
When did Manoj Kumar pass away?
Manoj Kumar passed away on 4 April 2025 at the age of 87. Born Harikrishan Giri Goswami on 24 July 1937, he had a career spanning seven decades and was widely known as 'Bharat Kumar' for his patriotic films.
Why was Manoj Kumar called 'Bharat Kumar'?
Manoj Kumar earned the nickname 'Bharat Kumar' for his consistent portrayal of patriotic and socially conscious characters across films like Upkaar, Shaheed, Purab Aur Paschim, and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. The name 'Bharat' — meaning India — became synonymous with his screen identity.
