Legendary Bollywood actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, celebrated for his iconic patriotic roles, passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai on Friday. He breathed his last at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where he had been admitted due to heart-related complications. The hospital’s medical certificate cited “decompensated liver cirrhosis” as a secondary cause of death.
Often hailed as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his unwavering portrayal of nationalism on screen, Manoj Kumar etched an indelible mark on Indian cinema with films like Shaheed (1965), Upkar (1967), and Purab Aur Paschim (1970). His storytelling and on-screen persona ignited patriotic fervor across generations, making him a household name during the golden era of Hindi cinema.
Born as Harikrishan Giri Goswami in present-day Pakistan, Manoj Kumar adopted his screen name as a tribute to screen idol Dilip Kumar’s character in Shabnam. He ventured into direction and production as well, notably creating Upkar at the request of then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. Such was his dedication to the cause of patriotic storytelling that he once sold his own house to finance one of his films.
Beyond his nationalist filmography, he also delivered memorable performances in romantic and dramatic classics like Hariyali Aur Raasta, Woh Kaun Thi, Himalaya Ki God Mein, Do Badan, Patthar Ke Sanam, Neel Kamal, and Kranti.
His contributions to Indian cinema were officially recognized with several prestigious awards. In 1992, he was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors. In 2015, he received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award — Indian cinema’s most prestigious accolade — for his outstanding contributions as an actor and filmmaker.
Condolences poured in from across the country following the announcement of his death. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, along with vintage photos of the star. “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.”
Manoj Kumar’s legacy lives on not just through his unforgettable films but also in the spirit of patriotism he stirred in the hearts of millions. He leaves behind a cinematic heritage defined by devotion to the nation, inspiring storytelling, and a commitment to artistic excellence that transcended generations.
