Veteran Actor Manoj Kumar Dies In Mumbai (X image @RajaSen)
Veteran Bollywood actor Manoj Kumar died at the age of 87 in Mumbai. He was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, where he died due to heart-related complications. The secondary cause of death is decompensated liver cirrhosis, according to medical certificate issued by the hospital.
Known for his roles in patriotic films such as Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti, Kumar made his debut in Bollywood in 1957 with the film ‘Fashion’. 1961 release Kanch Ki Gudiya was his break through. Born in Abbottabad, a small town in the North-West Frontier Province, British India (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan), in 1937, the star was named Harikrishnan Goswami.
The 1965 thriller movie Gumnaam was one of the highest-grossing movies that year, earning Rs. 2.6 crores. In the same year, Kumar starred in Shaheed, which featured the life of the freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. Kumar’s role in patriotic films like Purab Aur Pachhim (1970) and Kranti (1981) got him the nickname ‘Bharat Kumar’. He also directed and acted in Shor (1972). The star won the Best Director award at the Filmfare Awards in 1975 for his movie Roti Kapada Aur Makaan. He was awarded with Padma Shri in 1992. He was also honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.
Kumar officially joined the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) before the 2004 election.
Union Minister Rajnath Singh mourned the loss of a “versatile” actor and expressed condolences to the family and admirers. Mr Singh recalled Kumar’s work and wrote: “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’, ‘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”.
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’, ‘Purab and Paschim’ have enriched our culture and have endeared him to people…
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 4, 2025
Filmmaker Ashok Pandit said the “Lion” of Indian film industry is no more.
#WATCH | Mumbai | On the demise of Indian actor and film director Manoj Kumar, Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit says, “…The legendary Dadasaheb Phalke award winner, our inspiration and the ‘lion’ of the Indian film industry, Manoj Kumar Ji is no more…It is a great loss to the industry… pic.twitter.com/vWL7FRI44D
— ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to the deceased actor. Taking to X, PM Modi said, Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. He was an icon of Indian cinema, who was particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was also reflected in his films””.
Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. 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… pic.twitter.com/f8pYqOxol3
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025
