Renowned Bollywood actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, known for his patriotic films and the title Bharat Kumar, passed away at the age of 87. The veteran actor breathed his last in Mumbai’s Kokilaben Hospital on Friday morning. His demise marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, where he played a pivotal role in shaping patriotic storytelling on screen.
In This Article:
Early Life and Career
Born as Harikishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (then British India, now in Pakistan), Manoj Kumar’s family migrated to India during the Partition. He was deeply influenced by Dilip Kumar and decided to pursue a career in cinema, adopting his screen name from one of Dilip Kumar’s characters.
Manoj Kumar began his film career with small roles, eventually gaining prominence with Woh Kaun Thi? (1964), Himalay Ki God Mein (1965), and Shaheed (1965). However, it was Upkar (1967) that cemented his legacy, earning him the nickname Bharat Kumar due to his patriotic roles.
Iconic Films and Contribution to Cinema
Manoj Kumar’s directorial debut, Upkar, was inspired by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan. The film was a massive success and set the tone for his future projects. Some of his most celebrated films include:
- Purab Aur Paschim (1970) – Addressed the contrast between Indian and Western cultures.
- Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974) – Focused on unemployment and socio-economic struggles.
- Kranti (1981) – A historical epic on India’s independence movement.
His films often carried strong patriotic and social messages, making him one of the most respected figures in Bollywood.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Manoj Kumar received several prestigious awards, including:
- Padma Shri (1992) – One of India’s highest civilian honors.
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2016) – India’s highest recognition in cinema.
- Filmfare Awards – Won multiple awards, including Best Director for Upkar.
His contributions to Indian cinema earned him a lasting place in the industry, inspiring generations of filmmakers and actors.
Health Struggles and Passing
In recent years, Manoj Kumar had been suffering from age-related illnesses. He was admitted to the hospital in February 2025 due to liver complications. His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully in his sleep. His son, Kunal Goswami, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences from fans.
His funeral will take place tomorrow in Mumbai, where family, friends, and industry colleagues will pay their final respects.
Tributes from Bollywood and Political Leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Manoj Kumar, stating: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Manoj Kumar Ji. His contributions to Indian cinema, especially his patriotic films, will always be remembered. His work ignited a sense of pride in every Indian. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, and Hema Malini also expressed their sorrow, remembering him as a mentor and a guiding force in the industry.
Legacy and Influence
Manoj Kumar’s films remain timeless, reflecting the essence of nationalism and social justice. His storytelling continues to influence filmmakers, and his legacy will live on in Indian cinema.
By – Kartik
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