Art has always been a harbinger of harmony

The post-Partition Hindi films played a huge and effective role in calming the massively bruised feelings of Indians and Pakistanis. The two countries won freedom from the British rule in August, 1947. The independence was preceded by months of bloody riots, which triggered a mood of settled hatred on both sides of the border. But the balanced and the peace-loving took it upon themselves to work towards love and camaraderie. The world of arts was peopled with such individuals. And actor-director Manoj Kumar, who left the mortal world on April 4, was one such person. He used the vehicle of entertainment to reach out to the people across the border. And he succeeded in his goal. The massive response to the songs of his films in Pakistan establishes that. He is remembered for his patriotic, romantic, emotional and suspense-laden films.

He was a great director too. He directed the film “Kranti” (in which he played the lead role) which was one of the highest-grossing Hindi movies in the 1980s. It featured the late Dilip Kumar.

“The song “Zindagi ki na toote ladi” (from the movie ‘Kranti’ ) was my mum’s favourite,” said a pharmaceutical company’s regional manager, Khudadad Khan. “My late mum off and on said let’s go for a long drive around the city (Karachi) and wanted to listen to the song at least 5 to 10 times, while on every tour.” Khudadad said, “Manoj Kumar was the face of several iconic songs woven into our memories and his films are lessons.”

Agha Subhani, another Pakistani fan living in Karachi, paid tribute to the legendary actor-director for his superhit songs from “Upkar”, “Purab Aur Paschim” and “Woh Kaun Thi?”.

“Whenever I have time, I always listen to or watch these movies and its songs. Earlier I used to watch movies through VCR (videocassette recorder), then DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) player and now these movies are on my iCloud (thanks to the latest technology). These are my favourite songs: Upkar: Diwanon Se Mat Poochho (Mukesh), Mere Desh Ki Dharti (Mahendra Kapoor), Kasme Wade Pyar Wafa (Manna Dey), Aayi Jhoomke Basant (Asha Bhosle, Manna Dey).

Purab Aur Paschim: Koi Jab Tumhara Hriday Tod De (Mukesh), Dulhan Chali (Mahendra Kapoor), Purva Suhani Aayi Re (Lata Mangeshkar, Mahendra Kapoor, Manhar Udhas)

Woh Kaun Thi?: Lag Jaa Gale Ki Phir Ye Haseen Raat Ho Na Ho, Jo Hamne Daastaan Apnee Sunaaee Aap Kyoon Roye, Nainaa Barse Rimjhim Rimjhim, Chhod Kar Tere Pyaar Kaa Daaman Ye Bataa De Ki Ham Kidhar Jaayein.

Agha Subhani further said, “Manoj Kumar was an Indian actor, film director, screenwriter, lyricist and editor who worked very hard in Bollywood. This continent, especially India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, will miss him.” “Dus Numbri, Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan, BeImaan were the movies with the most melodrama and were crowd-pullers,” said a Pakistani landlord, Syed Shebaz Jilani. “It is my opinion that if someone has not seen the movie “Gumnaam”, a suspense thriller that blended mystery with music, it means he or she has missed a lot. It was a box-office success and is still remembered for its eerie plot and the iconic track “Gumnaam Hai Koi”.

Other songs like Jaane Chaman Shola Badan, Pike Ham Tum Jo Chale, Khayalon Men, Aayega Kaun Yahan, Ek Ladki Hai Jisne, Gham Chhodke Manao Rang, Jan Pehchan Ho are all superhit songs. A Pakistani retired police officer, Sardar Shah, said, “Manoj Kumar was a great actor and my favourite too. His movie “Himalaya Ki God Mein”, was set in the lush valleys of the Himalayas. It was a romantic drama in which he paired with Mala Sinha and featured a beautiful musical score.

“His another movie which is an all-time favourite for me is “Do Badan”, a romantic tragedy that was a major hit and proved his mettle in emotional roles. Asha Parekh was the lead lady.

The film’s song, especially “Raha Gardishon Mein Hardam,” is soul-stirring.” He did and colourfully more for Indo-Pak friendship than many politicians.