Mumbai, April 04: Veteran Bollywood actor Manoj Kumar, known for his roles in patriotic films, died at 87 in Mumbai on Friday. He was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where he passed away at 3:30 a.m. due to heart-related complications. The secondary cause of death was decompensated liver cirrhosis, according to the hospital’s medical certificate.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the news on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, calling Kumar a “legendary actor and filmmaker.” “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,” Modi said.
Kumar’s son, Kunal Goswami, told news agency ANI that his father had been battling health issues for a long time and passed away peacefully. “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,” Goswami said.
Born in Abbottabad, British India, now in Pakistan, in 1937, Kumar’s real name was Harikrishan Goswami. He made his Bollywood debut in 1957 with “Fashion” and gained recognition in “Kanch Ki Gudiya” (1961). His 1965 thriller “Gumnaam” was among the year’s highest-grossing films. The same year, he portrayed freedom fighter Bhagat Singh in “Shaheed.”
His patriotic films, including “Upkaar” (1967), “Purab Aur Pachhim” (1970), and “Kranti” (1981), earned him the title “Bharat Kumar.” He also directed and acted in “Shor” (1972). In 1975, Kumar won the Best Director award at the Filmfare Awards for “Roti Kapada Aur Makaan.”
He was honored with the Padma Shri in 1992, the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015. Before the 2004 general elections, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Union Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute, saying, “Shri Manoj Kumar ji was a versatile actor, who would always be remembered for making films full of patriotism. Popularly known as ‘Bharat Kumar,’ his unforgettable performances in films like ‘Upkaar’ and ‘Purab Aur Paschim’ have enriched our culture and have endeared him to people across generations. His cinematic legacy will live on through his works. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Film director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri wrote, “Patriots and artists like him never die.”
