BOLLYWOOD
This blockbuster celebrated the contributions of farmers and soldiers and was inspired by the former Prime Minister's slogan. One song from this film is still played at every Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations
Indian actor and star filmmaker Manoj Kumar is known for starring and backing patriotic films. After leading several successful films, including Hariyali Aur Rasta (1962), Grahasti (1963), Woh Kaun Thi (1964), Shaheed (1965), Himalay Ki God Mein (1965), Gumnaam (1965), Do Badan (1966), and Patthar Ke Sanam (1966), Manoj made his directorial debut with a film that became the highest-grossing film of that year, and it still holds a special mention in patriotic dramas. The idea of this film was inspired by the former prime minister's slogan, celebrating the contribution of the soldier and the farmer. One of the songs from the film is still played on Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations.
Manoj Kumar's film was made at the suggestion of the former Prime Minister is...
Upkar (1967), Manoj Kumar's directorial debut was inspired by India's former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. As per the media reports, Shastri met Manoj Kumar during the premiere of Shaheed, and suggested that Kumar should make a film based on his motto for India, Jai Jawan Jai Kisan. The movie was set in the backdrop of the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965, and it celebrates village life and the contributions of farmers and soldiers to India. Upkar also stars Prem Chopra, Pran, Kamini Kaushal, Asha Parekh, and Madan Puri in key roles.
Upkar also highlighted other burning issues of grain shortage, hoarding, and black marketing. Upkar also attempted to address population growth and the lack of good healthcare in the villages. The song Mere Desh Ki Dharti remains an anthem of patriotism, it is played every Independence Day at celebrations around the country, including in schools and societies.
Actors who rejected Upkar
In an interview with ABP News, Manoj Kumar revealed that Rajesh Khanna was signed to play Puran Kumar. However, he won the All India Talent Contest and had to withdraw from the film. It was also reported that Manoj approached Shashi Kapoor with the film, and he was ready to do the film. However, Manoj later thought that Shashi playing the grey-shade role would affect his booming career. When he discussed it with late actor, he reportedly turned down the film. And that's how Prem Chopra got finalised in the role of Puran Kumar.
Box office collection of Upkar
Upkar was released with a positive reception from the audience. Made with a reported budget of Rs 80 lakhs, the film grossed Rs 6.80 crores worldwide, and it went on to become the highest-grossing film of 1967. Upkar even won two national awards, the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film and the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer (Mahendra Kapoor).
The DNA app is now available for download on the Google Play Store. Please download the app and share your feedback with us.
The World’s First Innovative Iron Supplement to Combat Iron Deficiency and Anaemia
IND vs AUS: Rishabh Pant joins Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma in elite WTC list, becomes 3rd Indian to...
'All scripted drama...': Puneet Superstar allegedly assaulted by influencers in viral video, watch
Actress Ana de Armas caught kissing Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel’s son in viral photos
Oreshnik's Shadow: Will Russia's hypersonic missile force west to back down?
‘You’re So Beautiful’: World’s tallest woman meets world’s shortest woman over tea, pics go viral
Delhi-NCR Air Pollution: Consequences of GRAP-4 are drastic, may have adverse effects, says SC
Delhi-NCR Air Pollution: Schools likely to stay closed till..., check city-wise update
Maharashtra: 3 killed, 9 hospitalised after gas leak at fertiliser plant in Sangli
THIS farm is selling a cup of coffee for Rs 28000, but there's a twist, it is...
Chhattisgarh: 10 Maoists killed after encounter with security personnel in Sukma
Mukesh Ambani's SUPERHIT plan for Jio users, offers unlimited 5G access for 1 year for just Rs...
IND vs AUS 1st Test: KL Rahul's dismissal sparks DRS controversy in Perth Test
Dense fog, heavy rain predicted in these states till November 25; check here
Oreshnik Hypersonic Missile: Which nations are within its range?
Bihar teacher, principal reach school in drunken state; know what happened next
'I have faced a lot of...': Arjun Kapoor REVEALS his biggest fear amid break up with Malaika Arora
How millions of Indians may get affected due to US indictment of Gautam Adani in bribery case
Amid divorce rumours with Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan says 'missing someone is okay but...'
After Bibles, watches and sneakers, Donald Trump is now selling autographed guitars, price is...
Delhi pollution: Air quality improves to ‘very poor’ category, AQI at...
Vladimir Putin's BIG threat, warns he could strike UK with new ballistic missile if...
Shillong Teer Results TODAY November 22, 2024 Live Updates: Check winning numbers here
Somebody misbehaved with Alia Bhatt on Highway sets then Imtiaz Ali had to...
Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal reveals twist behind Rs 200000 job fee, closes application window
Days after Ratan Tata's demise, Tata Group's Rs 131000 crore company inks pact with ADB for...
WATCH: Woman makes Biryani with Parle-G biscuits, viral video fumes internet
Only train in India in which passengers can travel for FREE; check route, timings and more
'Justice for biryani': Parle-G biryani takes internet by storm, video goes viral
DNA TV Show: Why Gautam Adani charged with bribery and fraud in US
IND vs AUS: Records Virat Kohli can break during Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Diljit Dosanjh fans get angry over Ananya Panday's birthday post for her grandmother, here's why
Reddit suffers outage with ‘upstream connect error’ message, says 'currently investigating...'
Border-Gavaskar Trophy: How has Jasprit Bumrah fared in Tests in Australia?
Delhi records coldest night of the season, temp drops to...
Crossing the Line: Ukraine's Use of Storm Shadow Missiles and the Escalation of Conflict
When Malaika Arora talked about the controversial ‘instant pleasure’ ad, it was for…
This is the world’s most expensive shopping street, not Fifth Avenue, New Bond Street, it is...
Big setback for Gautam Adani, Kenya cancels Rs 6216 crore deal with Adani Group due to...
Viral video: Man’s jugaad to stay warm in winter will leave you SHOCKED, watch here
Hinduja Group firm gets key approval for acquisition of Anil Ambani's debt-ridden Reliance Capital
Viral video: Middle-Class man lives dream of having tea at Taj Hotel, netizens applauds