Veteran actor Manoj Kumar passes away at 87 after prolonged illness

87-year-old renowned actor Manoj Kumar, known for his memorable roles in films like Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti, has sadly passed away in Mumbai. He had been receiving medical care at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital where he eventually lost his life due to heart complications. As per the hospital’s official report, an advanced stage of liver cirrhosis was cited as a contributing factor to his demise.

Born in 1937, Manoj Kumar was originally known as Harikrishnan Goswami, hailing from the quaint town of Abbottabad, which resided within the North-West Frontier Province of British India, now recognized as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

In 1957, he made his entry into the realm of Bollywood through his first movie, “Fashion.” A significant turning point in his career occurred a few years after that, when he featured in “Kanch Ki Gudiya” (1961), sharing the screen with Sayeeda Khan.

1965 saw Manoj Kumar take center stage in the hit suspense thriller, Gumnaam. This movie was one of the biggest earners of the year, raking in approximately Rs. 2.6 crores at the box office. Additionally, that same year, he showcased his talents as freedom fighter Bhagat Singh in Shaheed, a film that solidified his reputation as a patriotic icon.

Through his forceful portrayals in films with nationalistic themes such as Purab Aur Pachhim (1970) and Kranti (1981), he earned the common nickname ‘Bharat Kumar’. Additionally, he demonstrated his versatility as a filmmaker by both directing and acting in Shor (1972).

1975 saw Kumar receiving the Filmfare Award for Best Director for the film “Roti Kapada Aur Makaan.” His significant impact on Indian cinema was acknowledged with the Padma Shri award, which he received from the Government of India in 1992.

Before the 2004 general elections, Kumar officially joined the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP).

Union Minister Rajnath Singh lamented the passing of an exceptionally talented actor and extended his sympathies to both the family and his many fans. Mr. Singh reminisced about Kumar’s career and penned, “Shri Manoj Kumar was a multi-faceted performer who will forever be revered for producing films brimming with patriotism.

See Tweet here: 

Through a recent post on Twitter, it was stated that Manoj Kumar, affectionately referred to as ‘Bharat Kumar’, has left a lasting impression on the Indian film industry by portraying unforgettable characters in movies including Upkaar and Purab Aur Paschim.

I’d like to express my profound appreciation for Kumar’s impactful contributions to our cultural tapestry. His artistry has resonated across generations, earning him widespread admiration. I believe that his cinematic legacy will endure, living on through the remarkable body of work he leaves behind. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and fans. May peace (Om Shanti) be with them during this difficult time.

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2025-04-04 06:07