Legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, fondly known as ‘Bharat Kumar’, passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai early Friday morning. He died at 3:30 am due to heart-related complications, with decompensated liver cirrhosis listed as a secondary cause, according to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.
A towering figure in Indian cinema, Mr. Kumar was celebrated for his patriotic films like Upkaar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Kranti, which earned him immense respect and a devoted fanbase.
PM Modi Leads Tributes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media platform X, calling Manoj Kumar “an icon of Indian cinema” whose “works ignited a spirit of national pride.” Sharing personal photos with the actor, the PM added, “He will continue to inspire generations. Om Shanti.”
A Legacy of Nationalism in Cinema
Born Harikrishnan Goswami in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan) in 1937, Manoj Kumar began his film career with Fashion (1957) and rose to fame with Kanch Ki Gudiya (1961). His performances in Shaheed (1965), Upkaar (1967), and Kranti (1981) cemented his status as a patriotic symbol.
His directorial brilliance shone in Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), winning him the Filmfare Best Director Award. Over the years, he was honored with the Padma Shri (1992), Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1999), and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2015).
Tributes Pour In
Union Minister Rajnath Singh remembered him as a “versatile actor” whose work enriched Indian culture. Director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri hailed him as “India’s first truly original Indic filmmaker” and a “visionary director.”
Mr. Kumar’s final rites will be held in Mumbai on Saturday morning. His son Kunal Goswami shared, “He left us peacefully. He was happy… just a little unwell.”
With Manoj Kumar’s passing, India has lost not just a film legend, but a voice that celebrated patriotism with unmatched passion.
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