MUMBAI, APRIL 04, 2025: Veteran Indian actor and renowned film director Manoj Kumar has passed away at the age of 87 in a private hospital while undergoing age-related ailments in Mumbai on Friday.
A legendary name in Hindi cinema, he was best known for his patriotic films including Shaheed (1965), Upkar (1967), and Purab Aur Paschim (1970). Kumar was reportedly admitted to the hospital after suffering heart-related complications. According to the hospital’s medical certificate, the secondary cause of death was “decompensated liver cirrhosis.”
He received the Padma Shri in 1992 for his contributions to Bollywood and was later honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.
Known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his patriotic films, he also made a mark with classics like Hariyali Aur Raasta, Woh Kaun Thi, Himalaya Ki God Mein, Do Badan, Patthar Ke Sanam, Neel Kamal, and Kranti.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared old pictures of the legendary actor in a social media post on Friday morning. The PM wrote, “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 continue to inspire generations. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”
Born in present-day Pakistan, Manoj Kumar’s birth name is Harikrishan Giri Goswami. In addition to being an actor, he also branched out as a filmmaker. “I never intended to be a director in the first place. I became one by default when, during Shaheed, I had to direct the film unofficially. Then Lal Bahadur Shastri raised the slogan of Jai Jawan Jai Kisan. That’s how I made Upkar,” , Mr Manoj Kumar told the media long back.
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