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.

Dus Numbri
Produced and directed by Madan Mohla, 'Dus Numbri' was one of the top films of 1976. The film's success was such that it was remade into the Telugu film 'KD No. 1' (1978) featuring NT Rama Rao and Jayasudha

Kranti
It was a multi-starrer film and had the cast of talented actors like Shashi Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Hema Malini, Parveen Babi and Shatrughan Sinha. The movie showcased a small group of people fighting against the British for the independence of the country

Patthar Ke Sanam
The film 'Patthar Ke Sanam' was about how Meena (Mumtaz) and her friend Taruna (Waheeda Rahman) trick Rajesh (Manoj Kumar) into believing that they have fallen for him. Rajesh, who has been hired as Manager by Meena's father, too pretends to be in love with both. Friends Meena and Taruna turn foes when Meena expresses her love for Rajesh. This upsets Taruna who has also grown fond of him.

Roti Kapda Aur Makaan
As the title Roti Kapda Aur Makaan suggest, the film revolved around the basic necessities of life. This Hindi phrase grew popular in the late 1960's by Indira Gandhi before 1967 general elections. In addition to being Manoj's popular film, this highest grosser of 1974 also helped Amitabh Bachchan solidify his position in Bollywood.