New Delhi: Veteran Bollywood actor Manoj Kumar, best known for his iconic roles in patriotic films, passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai. He breathed his last at 3:30 am on Friday at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where he had been admitted due to heart-related complications. A secondary cause of death was identified as decompensated liver cirrhosis.
Born in 1937 in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Manoj Kumar—originally named Harikrishnan Goswami—rose to fame with powerful performances in films such as Shaheed, Upkaar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Kranti. His stirring portrayals earned him the affectionate title ‘Bharat Kumar’ from fans and peers alike.
The actor’s cinematic journey began with Fashion in 1957, but it was Kanch Ki Gudiya (1961) that gave him his first major breakthrough. In 1965, his thriller Gumnaam became one of the year’s top earners, followed by his memorable performance in Shaheed, which depicted the life of revolutionary Bhagat Singh.
Mr. Kumar not only acted but also directed several films, including the critically acclaimed Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, which won him the Filmfare Best Director Award in 1975. Over the years, he was honoured with numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri (1992), the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1999), and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2015).
His son, Kunal Goswami, stated that the actor had been ailing for some time and passed away peacefully. “It’s the grace of God that he bid adieu to this world peacefully. He was happy, just a little unwell,” he said. The cremation is scheduled for Saturday morning.
The nation, including political and film industry leaders, paid heartfelt tributes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences on social media, calling Manoj Kumar an “icon of Indian cinema” whose films inspired patriotism. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh remembered him as a “versatile actor” whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Manoj Kumar had officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2004, adding a political dimension to his already impactful public persona.
India bids farewell to a legend whose cinematic vision and patriotic spirit will forever remain etched in the nation’s memory.
