This was a turning point in Pran's career. He plays a 'good man' for the first time and the people loved his 'Malang Chacha' role. He even got to sing a gut wrenching song. His dialogue to Manoj Kumar that "Ram is born in every yug but Laxman was born only in one" still makes one goose-bumpy.
Manoj Kumar and Gulshan Bawra's friendship went sour after the film . Manoj gave Gulshan a break as a lyricist in the film . He always reminded him of it. Finally Gulshan cracked and told Manoj he only gave him a break because he liked the lyrics of "Mere Desh Ki Dharti". One day Manoj thanked everyone who stood by him from his struggling days. He did not mention Gulshan Bawra. Gulshan went on to bash Manoj in print saying his Mr. Bharat image is just a show. He was a pervert and alcoholic in real life. Gulshan went on to state Manoj's wife was a heavy drinker who openly drank in parties.
Manoj Kumar got the inspiration for Upkar (1967) from Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, who told him at a special screening for Shahid to make a film on Jai Jawaan, Jai Kisan. He wrote the story on his way back to Mumbai from Delhi in the train.
Manoj Kumar wanted Rajesh Khanna to be in Upkar, but dint work out, then Prem Chopra did the role. Then again Manoj Kumar wanted Rajesh Khanna to be in the cast of. Naya Bharat but this film was shelved because of date problems as many stars were in this film. It is not much known that since, Rajesh Khanna entered the film industry he and Manoj Kumar are good friends since before till the end.
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