The latest episode of "Super Dancer 5" paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary actor Manoj Kumar, fondly known as 'Bharat Kumar', celebrating his contribution to Indian cinema and his unwavering patriotism. The episode was filled with stellar performances on his memorable songs, and anecdotes about the actor.
Host Paritosh Tripathi set the tone for the episode by acknowledging the nationwide spirit of patriotism, stating that Manoj Kumar chose cinema as his medium to express his love for the nation. He highlighted Kumar's films like "Purab Aur Pachhim," which spread his love for the nation in all directions, and saluted both "Bharat" and "Bharat Kumar".
Judge Shilpa Shetty added to the tribute by sharing a piece of trivia about Manoj Kumar's popularity, noting that during his time, fans didn't even need his address to send him letters. They would simply write his name on the letter, and it would still reach him. Veteran actress Aruna Irani, who had worked with Manoj Kumar, shared fond memories and stories about him through a recorded video message.
The contestants delivered performances on Manoj Kumar's iconic songs. Apsara and Kavya gave a duet performance. The performances were designed not only to entertain but also to celebrate Kumar's legacy and the values he represented through his films.
Manoj Kumar, born on July 24, 1937, has had a long career in Bollywood. He is known for acting in and making patriotic movies. In 1992, he received the Padma Shri and in 2015, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.