When Manoj Kumar sold his Juhu bungalow to finance Kranti

Widely known as “Mr. Bharat” for his patriotic roles, Manoj Kumar was surely an inspiring figure, even off-screen. One of the most remarkable examples of this came during the making of his 1981 magnum opus, ‘Kranti.’ Going to extreme endsAccording to News 18 reports, Manoj Kumar made the extraordinary decision to sell his Juhu bungalow in Mumbai to independently finance Kranti. Originally, he had planned to construct a theater on the land. But the passion project took precedence, and the actor-director chose to risk his personal assets to bring his vision to life. See more: Manoj Kumar Death News: Manoj Kumar Passes Away Live UpdateThe gamble paid off?Kranti emerged as a massive box office success and became one of the most celebrated patriotic films in Indian cinema history. The movie is still considered an iconic film in Bollywood.About ‘Kranti’Released on February 13, 1981, Kranti was a revolutionary saga that united farmers and common people against British oppression. The film starred an ensemble cast including Dilip Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Hema Malini, Shatrughan Sinha, Prem Chopra, Parveen Babi, Sarika, Nirupa Roy, and Manoj Kumar himself. Its rich narrative was supported by evocative music and soul-stirring emotions that connected with audiences across India.See more: Manoj Kumar Death News: Legendary Actor Manoj Kumar Dies at 87: A Tribute to 'Bharat Kumar'More about the filmThe screenplay, co-written by Salim-Javed and Manoj Kumar, added depth and dramatic flair to the film’s patriotic theme. The result was not just a commercial hit but a cultural phenomenon. Kranti set numerous records in many circuits across India, becoming the fastest-earning film of its time—though it saw relatively slower numbers in Mumbai and southern regions.Manoj Kumar’s inspiring careerManoj Kumar began his journey in cinema with ‘Fashion’ in 1957, but it was his performance in Kanch Ki Gudiya (1961) opposite Sayeeda Khan that gave him recognition. However, it was his later films like ‘Upkar,’ ‘Shaheed,’ ‘Purab Aur Paschim,’ and most prominently ‘Kranti.’