Patriotic Legend Manoj Kumar passes away at 87
Veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar died at 87 in Mumbai early Friday morning. He breathed his last at 4:03 am at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.
Doctors confirmed cardiogenic shock due to a severe heart attack as the cause of death. Kumar had also battled decompensated liver cirrhosis for months.
He had been admitted on February 21, 2025, after his health worsened.
His body now rests at his Juhu home. From Friday afternoon, family, fans, and colleagues will gather to pay their final respects. The cremation will likely take place on Saturday.
Kumar earned the title ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his patriotic films. His work inspired generations and helped define nationalism in Indian cinema.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit confirmed his passing. “Sad to inform you all that the legendary Dadasaheb Phalke award winner, Manoj Kumar Ji, is no more,” he said. “He was not well for a very long time. It’s a great loss to the industry. He was always full of life, always happy. A great soul like him will never be replaced.”
Tributes poured in across the film fraternity as the news spread.
Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Amritsar, Kumar began his film career in the late 1950s. He adopted the screen name ‘Manoj Kumar’ after actor Dilip Kumar’s character in Shabnam.
Over time, he built a unique identity. His strong screen presence and nationalist themes resonated deeply with audiences.
His breakthrough role in Shaheed (1965) earned wide acclaim. But it was Upkar (1967), which he also directed, that cemented his legacy.
The film, based on Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan,” became a cultural landmark. Kumar played a farmer-soldier, embodying the spirit of the nation.
He followed this with other patriotic classics like Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti. His films often promoted unity, sacrifice, and national pride.
Kumar also ventured into direction and excelled there too. He balanced storytelling with social messages.
In a career that spanned decades, Kumar earned many awards. These include the National Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards.
The Indian government recognised his contribution with the Padma Shri in 1992. In 2015, he received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Indian cinema’s highest honour.
His influence extended beyond the screen. He inspired actors, filmmakers, and even politicians with his on-screen patriotism.
Fans admired his conviction, his simplicity, and his love for India.
Today, as India mourns, Kumar’s legacy remains intact. His films continue to echo in the hearts of millions.
While he may no longer be with us, his message lives on. As ‘Bharat Kumar’, he didn’t just act—he ignited national pride.
Manoj Kumar leaves behind a body of work that celebrates India, its people, and its spirit.
The nation salutes its cinematic son.
