Veteran Actor Manoj Kumar Passes Away at 87

Legendary Hindi film actor Manoj Kumar has died at the age of 87. He passed away at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where he had been admitted due to heart-related complications. As per the hospital’s medical certificate, a secondary cause of death was decompensated liver cirrhosis.

Manoj Kumar, known for his iconic patriotic films, left a lasting mark on Indian cinema with classics such as Shaheed (1965), Upkar (1967), and Purab Aur Paschim (1970). His deep connection with patriotic themes earned him the nickname ‘Bharat Kumar’. Over the years, he also starred in memorable films like Hariyali Aur Raasta, Woh Kaun Thi, Himalaya Ki God Mein, Do Badan, Patthar Ke Sanam, Neel Kamal, and Kranti.

In recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1992 and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.

Born as Harikrishan Giri Goswami in what is now Pakistan, Manoj Kumar not only acted but also ventured into filmmaking. In an interview with rediff.com, he recalled how his directing journey began unexpectedly:

“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.”

Paying tribute on social media, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared old photographs of the late actor and 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.”

Actor Akshay Kumar, whom Manoj Kumar once referred to as his ‘natural successor’, also shared a heartfelt message:

“I grew up learning from him that there’s no emotion like love and pride for our country. And if we actors won’t take the lead in showing this emotion, who will? Such a fine person, and one of the biggest assets of our fraternity. RIP Manoj Sir. Om Shanti.”

Speaking about being known as ‘Bharat Kumar’, he told Lehren TV:

“Bharat ka to taaj yeh jo bharatwashiyon ne mujhe pehnanya hai woh filmon aur vyaktigat jeewan mein nibhana bahot bada bhoj aur zimmedari hai. Yeh bada upkar hai unka mujpar. Main kitna safal aur asafal hua, woh mere deshwashi jante hai. Main ek sadharan sa nagrik hoon.”(“The crown of Bharat that my fellow countrymen have placed on me is a huge responsibility, both in films and in personal life. It’s a great honour. How successful I’ve been, only my fellow citizens can tell. I am just an ordinary man.”)