Mumbai, April 4: Manoj Kumar, the iconic actor and filmmaker celebrated for his patriotic roles in Hindi cinema, died early Friday morning in Mumbai at the age of 87.
Kumar, born Harikrishnan Goswami in 1937 in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), passed away at 3:30 a.m. at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. The cause of death was heart-related complications, with decompensated liver cirrhosis listed as a secondary cause, according to the hospital’s medical certificate.
His son, actor Kunal Goswami, confirmed the death. “It’s the grace of God that he bid adieu to this world peacefully. He was happy, just a little unwell. The cremation will take place tomorrow morning,” Goswami told ANI.
Manoj Kumar began his film career in 1957 with Fashion and rose to prominence in Kaanch Ki Gudiya (1961). His defining breakthrough came with a string of nationalistic films—Shaheed (1965), Upkaar (1967), Purab Aur Pachhim (1970), and Kranti (1981)—earning him the moniker “Bharat Kumar” for capturing the spirit of patriotism on screen.
He also directed and starred in Shor (1972) and received the Filmfare Award for Best Director in 1975 for Roti Kapada Aur Makaan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute on social media, posting two photographs with the late actor. “He was an icon of Indian cinema, remembered for his patriotic zeal. Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations,” Modi wrote.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed condolences, calling him a “versatile actor.” In a statement, Singh said, “Popularly known as ‘Bharat Kumar,’ his unforgettable performances enriched our culture and endeared him to generations. His cinematic legacy will live on.”
Among his accolades, Kumar was awarded the Padma Shri in 1992, the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award—the country’s highest honour in cinema—in 2015. He also joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2004 general elections.
Manoj Kumar’s contribution to Indian cinema stretched across decades, shaping the narrative of nationalism in popular film and influencing generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.
