When Harikishan Goswami entered films through an insignificant role in Panchayat, he was just another Dilip Kumar- wannabe who even adopted a screen name of his idol’s character in Shabnam. With 1960 film Honeymoon, ‘Manoj Kumar’ made his debut as a hero and over the years, this name went on to become a name to reckon with.

As an actor, he was artificial – even atrocious. Inaudible muttering of dialogues with interminable pauses and that irritating finger-spread on an eternally immobile face in side profile were his classical trademarks. In the sixties, he became the perpetual hero in heroine-oriented films- many of them mysteries like Woh Kaun Thi, Poonam Ki Raat, Gumnaam and Anita. In 1965, he portrayed freedom fighter Bhagat Singh in Shaheed and then onwards patriotism became his buzz- word.

With Upkar (1970) he turned film-maker – a writer, director, producer and editor rolled into one and in this capacity he made his real mark. Emotionally charged stories, excellent music, innovative camera- work and a social message with a jingoistic Mera Bharat Mahaan attitude made most his films blockbusters. Kranti (1980) was his last big success before he went into a downward spiral.

Here's a look-back at 3 of his films.

 Upkar is Manoj’s take on growing cultural divide between rural and urban India through a story of two step-brothers – a selfless villager farmer- turned- army-man (Manoj Kumar) and a selfish, indulgent city- based black – marketer (Prem Chopra). Pran’s successful switch- over as a character actor, the philosophical song Kasme Vaade Pyar Wafa and the patriotic number Mere Desh Ki Dharti were highlights of the film.

Shor (1972) is an off- beat film, away from Manoj’s Bharat-routine and was a commercial failure. He plays a father desperate to restore his son’s lost speech. The son had lost his ability to speak after witnessing the horrific accidental death of his mother.  Just when the valiant struggle of the father bores fruit and results in successful cure of the son, a shocking tragic ending leaves the audience numb. This film, in spite of its garish melodrama touches the heart.