Manoj Kumar left behind an unmatched legacy in the Indian film industry. The man, who hailed the title of ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his love towards his nation, was one of the pioneers of the Hindi film industry. Born Harikrishan Giri Goswami in Abbottabad, he and his family shifted to Delhi after the partition.
It was his love for cinema which led him to choose the path of acting. Since he was a die-hard fan of Dilip Kumar, Harikrishan changed his name to Manoj Kumar. Though he made his acting debut with the 1957 film, Fashion, Manoj played the lead role in the film, Kaanch Ki Gudia. With films like Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Kranti, Purab Aur Paschim, Kranti, Shaheed, Shor and many other films, Manoj Kumar made a permanent place in people’s hearts.
The veteran actor breathed his last on April 4, 2025, at the age of 87 due to heart-related issues. Another cause for his demise was decompensated liver cirrhosis. Filmmaker, Ashoke Pandit confirmed the news and expressed his grief over the passing of veteran actor-filmmaker, Manoj Kumar.
In a career spanning 40 years, Manoj has directed a few blockbuster films too. As they say, behind every successful man, there is a woman. In Manoj Kumar’s case, his wife, Sashi Goswami, was that woman. It was only after his marriage to Sashi that the actor tasted success in his life. Today, as the legend leaves behind his legacy, let us read on to know how he fell in love with Sashi.
Manoj Kumar met Sashi Goswami while he was in college
Manoj did his graduation from Hindu College, Delhi University. It was during his graduation that he met Sashi while visiting his friend’s house in old Delhi. It was love at first sight for Manoj, who couldn’t take his eyes off her. They kept seeing each other from a distance for one and a half years.
Sashi and Manoj saw each other through the terrace
Slowly, love blossomed between Manoj and Sashi, and they started spending time together. Though Manoj’s family was okay about his relationship with Sashi, her mother and brother were against it. When the meetings were restricted, Manoj would go to his college’s terrace, and Sashi would go to the terrace atop her house, and that is how they used to see each other.
Manoj Kumar’s marriage to Sashi Goswami changed his fortune and made him a superstar
Manoj and Sashi were so madly in love with each other that they ultimately overcame all the opposition from their family and got married. They welcomed two sons, Kunal Goswami and Vishal Goswami. Manoj’s marriage to Sashi changed his fortune forever as he delivered his first blockbuster film, Hariyali Aur Rasta. Sashi proved to be his lucky charm, and he became a superstar.
Sashi Goswami started doubting Manoj Kumar after his alleged affair rumours
Since he was one of the leading stars of the film industry in the 60s and 70s, his name, too, started getting linked to many A-listed actresses. Shashi revealed that there was a time when she had started doubting her husband because of her relatives and the media. Once, in a throwback interview with Dainik Jagran, the actor spoke about being a dedicated husband and said:
“I used to go to the sets at 10 a.m. and used to come to the home straight after the pack up at 6 p.m. After which, I had dedicated all my time to my parents, siblings, wife, and children. I had followed this schedule for my entire career and is the reason why today we are sitting here and living happily in a married life that is 51-year-old.”
Manoj Kumar was an incredible star who was deeply rooted in patriotism and storytelling. He was not just a splendid actor but a great husband and father too.
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