Veteran actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar, fondly known as ' Bharat Kumar' for his deeply patriotic films, passed away at the age of 87 in the early hours of Friday. His son, Kunal Goswami, shared that Kumar had been battling multiple health issues for years and had been bedridden for an extended period. He was most recently admitted to Kokilaben Ambani Hospital due to pneumonia, where he breathed his last around 3:30 AM.
Despite his ailments, Kumar maintained his bond with his family, particularly his grandchildren, whom he adored. However, in his final days, his health deteriorated further, leading to his hospitalization. Dr. Santosh Shetty, CEO and executive director of the hospital, confirmed that Kumar had been under medical care for the past few weeks, battling age-related complications.
Kunal fondly recalled his father’s deep connection with the family, telling ANI, “He always enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and the younger members of our family. He was a loving and affectionate presence, bringing warmth and wisdom to every interaction. However, in the past few years, his health had declined, and he experienced discomfort due to age-related ailments. "He was very family-oriented and happy. But in recent times, he was in some pain due to age-related illnesses.," Kunal said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the cinematic legend, remembering him as an "icon of Indian cinema" whose films ignited a strong sense of national pride.
Kumar’s impact on Indian cinema remains unparalleled. Born Harikrishan Goswami in Abbottabad, now in Pakistan, his family migrated to India during the partition and settled in Delhi. He completed his graduation from Hindu College before moving to Mumbai to pursue a career in films. It was in Bollywood that he reinvented himself as Manoj Kumar, a name inspired by the legendary Dilip Kumar’s character in 'Shabnam' (1949).
Rising to fame in the 1960s, Kumar became synonymous with nationalistic cinema. His breakthrough role came in 'Shaheed' (1965), a biographical film on freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. This marked the beginning of his journey as 'Bharat Kumar,' a persona that he carried forward in films like 'Upkar' (1967), inspired by Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan," 'Purab Aur Paschim' (1970), and 'Kranti' (1981). Through these films, Kumar didn’t just entertain but instilled a deep sense of patriotism among audiences, making him a cultural icon.
Aside from his patriotic roles, Manoj Kumar displayed immense versatility in Indian cinema. He delivered remarkable performances in romantic and social dramas like 'Woh Kaun Thi?' (1964), 'Himalay Ki God Mein' (1965), and 'Roti Kapda Aur Makaan' (1974), which addressed socio-economic struggles of the common man. His storytelling often reflected the pulse of the nation, shedding light on issues such as poverty, inequality, and national identity.
Kumar’s contribution to cinema earned him several prestigious accolades, including the Filmfare Award for Best Director for 'Upkar' and the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, in 1992. In 2016, he was bestowed with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, celebrating his lifetime contribution to the industry. Despite his declining health in his later years, he remained an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers and actors, leaving behind a legacy rich with cinematic brilliance and nationalistic fervor.
Despite his ailments, Kumar maintained his bond with his family, particularly his grandchildren, whom he adored. However, in his final days, his health deteriorated further, leading to his hospitalization. Dr. Santosh Shetty, CEO and executive director of the hospital, confirmed that Kumar had been under medical care for the past few weeks, battling age-related complications.
Kunal fondly recalled his father’s deep connection with the family, telling ANI, “He always enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and the younger members of our family. He was a loving and affectionate presence, bringing warmth and wisdom to every interaction. However, in the past few years, his health had declined, and he experienced discomfort due to age-related ailments. "He was very family-oriented and happy. But in recent times, he was in some pain due to age-related illnesses.," Kunal said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the cinematic legend, remembering him as an "icon of Indian cinema" whose films ignited a strong sense of national pride.
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
Kumar’s impact on Indian cinema remains unparalleled. Born Harikrishan Goswami in Abbottabad, now in Pakistan, his family migrated to India during the partition and settled in Delhi. He completed his graduation from Hindu College before moving to Mumbai to pursue a career in films. It was in Bollywood that he reinvented himself as Manoj Kumar, a name inspired by the legendary Dilip Kumar’s character in 'Shabnam' (1949).
Rising to fame in the 1960s, Kumar became synonymous with nationalistic cinema. His breakthrough role came in 'Shaheed' (1965), a biographical film on freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. This marked the beginning of his journey as 'Bharat Kumar,' a persona that he carried forward in films like 'Upkar' (1967), inspired by Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan," 'Purab Aur Paschim' (1970), and 'Kranti' (1981). Through these films, Kumar didn’t just entertain but instilled a deep sense of patriotism among audiences, making him a cultural icon.
Aside from his patriotic roles, Manoj Kumar displayed immense versatility in Indian cinema. He delivered remarkable performances in romantic and social dramas like 'Woh Kaun Thi?' (1964), 'Himalay Ki God Mein' (1965), and 'Roti Kapda Aur Makaan' (1974), which addressed socio-economic struggles of the common man. His storytelling often reflected the pulse of the nation, shedding light on issues such as poverty, inequality, and national identity.
Kumar’s contribution to cinema earned him several prestigious accolades, including the Filmfare Award for Best Director for 'Upkar' and the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, in 1992. In 2016, he was bestowed with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, celebrating his lifetime contribution to the industry. Despite his declining health in his later years, he remained an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers and actors, leaving behind a legacy rich with cinematic brilliance and nationalistic fervor.
You may also like
Teenage rugby player has arm 'ripped from body' in tackle that changed his life
Expert reveals why April is the best time to sell your old car
Donald Trump says tariffs going 'better than expected' as trillions wiped off global economy
PBKS vs RR KKR vs SRH Dream11 Prediction Match 18, IPL 2025
Global recession fears soar as Donald Trump's tariffs spark economic meltdown
