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 ends
According 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.

The 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.
More about the film
The 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 career
Manoj 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.’