Renowned Bollywood actor and director Manoj Kumar has passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai, India’s financial capital.
Dr. Santosh Shetty of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where he was undergoing treatment, confirmed that Kumar died due to age-related health complications. His son, Kunal Goswami, told ANI news agency that the legendary actor had been dealing with prolonged health issues.
Kumar, whose real name was Harikrishan Goswami, leaves behind an enduring cinematic legacy, best known for his deeply patriotic films that made a lasting mark during the 1960s and 70s. His body of work earned him the affectionate nickname ‘Bharat Kumar’ — symbolizing his strong association with national pride and identity.
Tributes have poured in across social media, with fans, politicians, and fellow artists mourning the loss of a cinematic legend. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage, calling him an “icon of Indian cinema” and praising his ability to ignite “a spirit of national pride” through his films.
Actors Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn were among the many from the film fraternity to express their sorrow. Akshay credited Manoj Kumar’s films with instilling in him a deep love for the nation, while Devgn thanked him for crafting moments that now belong to “Indian cinema’s golden history.”
Born in 1937 in Punjab, Kumar became a household name with films like Shaheed, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, and Kranti. His films explored themes of patriotism, the sacrifices of freedom fighters, and the struggles of ordinary Indians, striking a chord with audiences in a newly independent nation still healing from colonial rule.
Even decades later, his influence remained strong — with clips of his patriotic dialogues often surfacing as viral memes, reflecting both nostalgia and reverence.
Throughout his illustrious career, Kumar received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor. He was also a recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema.
Manoj Kumar’s contributions to Indian cinema and his portrayal of love for the country will continue to inspire generations to come.
