Veteran Bollywood actor Manoj Kumar, celebrated for his iconic roles in patriotic films such as Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti, passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai. The legendary actor breathed his last at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital at 3:30 am on Friday due to heart-related complications. The secondary cause of death was decompensated liver cirrhosis, as per the hospital’s medical certificate.
PM Narendra Modi Pays Tribute to the Iconic Actor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his condolences, sharing two pictures with the veteran actor.
“He was an icon of Indian cinema, who was particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was also reflected in his films. Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” wrote the Prime Minister.
Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. He was an icon of Indian cinema, who was particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was also reflected in his films. Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will… pic.twitter.com/f8pYqOxol3
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025
The late actor’s son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed that his father had been battling health issues for a long time.
“It’s the grace of God that he bid adieu to this world peacefully. His cremation will take place tomorrow morning… He was happy. Just a little unwell,” he said.
Manoj Kumar: A Journey from Abbottabad to Bollywood Stardom
Born as Harikrishnan Goswami in Abbottabad, British India (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan) in 1937, Manoj Kumar went on to become one of the most influential actors in Indian cinema.
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He made his Bollywood debut in 1957 with Fashion, later gaining recognition with Kanch Ki Gudiya (1961). His thriller Gumnaam (1965) became one of the highest-grossing films of that year, collecting ₹2.6 crore. In the same year, he starred in Shaheed, a film based on the life of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.
The Rise of ‘Bharat Kumar’
Manoj Kumar earned the title of ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his remarkable contributions to patriotic cinema. His roles in films like:
– Upkaar (1967) – inspired by Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Jai Jawan Jai Kisan slogan,
– Purab Aur Paschim (1970) – a film about cultural identity and patriotism,
– Kranti (1981) – a historical drama on India’s independence movement, cemented his place in Indian cinema history.
He was also a successful director, winning the Best Director award at the Filmfare Awards in 1975 for Roti Kapada Aur Makaan.
Awards and Recognitions
Manoj Kumar’s illustrious career was honored with numerous accolades, including:
– Padma Shri (1992) – one of India’s highest civilian awards,
– Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1999),
– Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2015) – the highest award in Indian cinema.
Before the 2004 General Elections, Manoj Kumar officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Nation Pays Tribute to a Cinematic Legend
Union Minister Rajnath Singh also mourned the loss of the veteran actor, calling him a “versatile” star whose cinematic contributions enriched Indian culture.
“Shri Manoj Kumar ji was a versatile actor, who will always be remembered for making films full of patriotism. Popularly known as ‘Bharat Kumar’, his unforgettable performances in films like Upkaar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Kranti have endeared him to people across generations. His cinematic legacy will live on. Om Shanti.”
Manoj Kumar’s last rites will be held tomorrow morning, as fans, colleagues, and admirers prepare to bid farewell to an actor who immortalized patriotism on the silver screen.
With his legacy spanning over six decades, Manoj Kumar’s contributions to Indian cinema will remain timeless, inspiring generations to come.
