Mumbai, April 4, 2025 – Manoj Kumar, the legendary actor and filmmaker fondly known as “Bharat Kumar” for his patriotic contributions to Indian cinema, passed away early this morning at the age of 87. The veteran star breathed his last at 3:30 AM at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, succumbing to heart-related complications after a prolonged illness.
According to medical reports, Kumar’s death was attributed to cardiogenic shock resulting from an acute myocardial infarction—a severe heart attack. A secondary factor was decompensated liver cirrhosis, a condition he had been battling for months, which further deteriorated his health. He had been under medical care since February, with his condition worsening in recent weeks.
Kumar, born Harikrishna Giri Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), rose to fame in the 1960s and 70s with a string of iconic films that blended entertainment with messages of national pride. His notable works include Shaheed (1965), Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), which earned him a reputation as a pioneer of patriotic cinema. His directorial debut, Upkar, inspired by then-Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan,” won widespread acclaim and cemented his legacy.
Affectionately dubbed “Bharat Kumar” by fans, his contributions to Indian cinema were recognized with the Padma Shri in 1992 and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015. Over a career spanning four decades, Kumar acted in and directed numerous classics, leaving an indelible mark on Bollywood.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief on social media, writing, “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. His 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.”
Kumar’s son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed the news, sharing an emotional reflection with the media: “He had health-related issues for a long time. It’s the grace of God that he bid adieu to this world peacefully. There was pain, but he passed with dignity.” Kunal added that the family is preparing for the actor’s final rites, scheduled for Saturday, April 5, in Mumbai’s Vile Parle area, allowing relatives and industry colleagues to pay their respects.
Tributes poured in from Bollywood luminaries. Actor Akshay Kumar, often seen as a successor to Manoj’s patriotic legacy, wrote, “I grew up learning from him that there’s no emotion like love and pride for our country. Such a fine person, and one of the biggest assets of our fraternity. RIP Manoj Sir.” Filmmaker Karan Johar recalled a childhood memory of watching Kumar’s Kranti, calling him a “cinema legend” whose work transcended generations.
Kumar’s mortal remains will be kept at his Juhu residence from Friday afternoon, giving fans and peers an opportunity to bid farewell. His passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, leaving behind a legacy of films that continue to resonate with audiences for their timeless themes of unity, sacrifice, and love for the nation.
