Born on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan) as Harikishan Giri Goswami, Bollywood’s fave actor-director Manoj Kumar turns 81 today. He made his Bollywood debut in 1960 with “Kaanch Ki Gudia” but later shifted focus to acting and directing films with. Kumar was part of several romantic films but his patriotic flavour is what he became known, earning him the moniker ‘Bharat’ Kumar. He is also fondly known as the inventor of the facepalm.

A list of his popular films includes Shaheed, Woh Kaun Thi?, Gumnaam, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Upkar, Aadmi, Kranti, Hariyali Aur Raasta, Himalay Ki God Mein, Do Badan, Patthar Ke Sanam and Purab Aur Paschim. The veteran was honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1992. He also won a National Film Award for Upkaar and a Dadasaheb Phalke Award for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.

On his 81st birthday here are some of his powerful performances.

Woh Kaun Thi
Before Sadhana was cast in 1966 romantic thriller Saaya, she appeared opposite Manoj Kumar in Who Kaun Thi. Those were still the early days of Manoj Kumar in Bollywood and both the leads delivered superb performances which were helped by Madan Mohan’s music. This was the film in which Lata Mangeshkar’s hauntingly beautiful “Lag Jaa Gale” was filmed.