Veteran Bollywood actor and director Manoj Kumar, famous for his patriotic films like Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti, passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai. He died early Friday morning at 3:30 am due to heart-related problems. According to the hospital’s medical certificate, the secondary cause of his death was decompensated liver cirrhosis. He was admitted to the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where he took his last breath.
His son, Kunal Goswami, told news agency ANI, “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.”
Manoj Kumar had been dealing with health issues for a long time.
Tributes from the prime minister and others
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the sad news on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He posted two photos with the late actor and wrote, “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.”
Union Minister Rajnath Singh also paid tribute and expressed his sorrow. He said, “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 and 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 added, “Patriots and artists like him never die.”
Life and career of ‘Bharat Kumar’
Born in 1937 in Abbottabad, which was then a part of British India and is now in Pakistan, Manoj Kumar’s real name was Harikrishnan Goswami. He made his Bollywood debut in 1957 with the film Fashion. His first big break came with Kanch Ki Gudiya in 1961, where he acted with Sayeeda Khan.
His 1965 film Gumnaam became one of the top-grossing movies of that year, earning Rs 2.6 crores. That same year, he played the role of Bhagat Singh in the film Shaheed, which became an iconic movie.
In the following years, he became famous for his patriotic roles in films like Upkaar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Kranti (1981). These roles earned him the nickname ‘Bharat Kumar’. He also directed and acted in Shor (1972).
In 1975, he received the Filmfare Best Director award for Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. Over the years, he was honoured with several major awards – the Padma Shri in 1992, the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.
In 2004, before the general elections, he officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Manoj Kumar’s death marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. Future generations will continue to draw inspiration from his work, and his films, which reflect his love for the country, will leave a lasting legacy.
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