“A proud nationalist. A poetic storyteller. An eternal icon of Indian cinema.”
Veteran Bollywood actor, director, and filmmaker Manoj Kumar breathed his last on April 4, 2025, at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. He was 87. The cause of death, as confirmed by the hospital and his family, was cardiogenic shock following an acute myocardial infarction, compounded by decompensated liver cirrhosis.
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His son, Kunal Goswami, expressed in a heartfelt statement, “It’s the grace of God that he bid adieu to this world peacefully. His cremation will take place tomorrow.” The industry, nation, and fans across generations are in mourning, paying tribute to the cinematic giant who reshaped Indian patriotic cinema.
Who Was Manoj Kumar? The Birth of ‘Bharat Kumar’
Born Harikrishnan Giri Goswami in 1937 in Abbottabad, then British India (now Pakistan), he and his family migrated to Delhi during the Partition. Inspired by the tales of national heroes, Manoj Kumar entered the world of cinema with dreams larger than life and ideals rooted in the soil of India.
He debuted in 1957 with the film Fashion, but it was Kaanch Ki Gudiya (1961) that marked his arrival as a lead actor. Still, his early work went relatively unnoticed until the box office hit Hariyali Aur Rasta (1962) catapulted him into fame. With a stronghold on commercial success, he delivered back-to-back hits like Shaadi, Dr. Vidya, and Woh Kaun Thi?, eventually becoming one of the most bankable stars of the 60s and 70s.
Why Was He Called ‘Bharat Kumar’?
What truly immortalized Manoj Kumar was his commitment to patriotism. His 1967 film Upkar, inspired by then-Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, touched the heart of the nation. He wrote, directed, and acted in the film, weaving themes of sacrifice, duty, and love for the motherland into a compelling narrative.
From Purab Aur Paschim (1970) to Kranti (1981) and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), his work consistently celebrated the Indian ethos. These films weren’t just cinematic projects; they were powerful messages of national pride delivered through art.
Thus, he earned the affectionate nickname ‘Bharat Kumar’—a title not just of stardom, but of deep reverence.
A Career That Defined Indian Cinema
Manoj Kumar wasn’t limited to acting. He was a multi-talented creator—a director, editor, lyricist, and screenwriter. His works were rich in symbolism, soul-stirring lyrics, and meaningful narratives.
Some of his most iconic films include
Shaheed (1965) – based on the life of Bhagat Singh
Upkar (1967) – celebrated farmers and soldiers
Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974) – addressed unemployment and poverty
Kranti (1981) – explored India’s fight for freedom
Shor (1972) – a personal, emotional tale of loss and struggle
He collaborated with legends like Hema Malini, Kamini Kaushal, Prem Chopra, Prem Nath, and many others, leaving behind a cinematic legacy that is hard to match.
Honours and Recognitionof Veteran Actor Manoj Kumar
For his immense contribution to Indian cinema, Manoj Kumar was awarded:
Padma Shri (1992)
Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2015)
Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1999)
National Film Award and multiple Filmfare Awards
His contribution wasn’t just to cinema but to the national consciousness. His films were viewed as patriotic education, an emotionally gripping way of telling India’s story.
Tributes from Leaders and the Fraternity
As news of his death broke, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered heartfelt condolences, posting,
“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. Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations.”
Actor Akshay Kumar, known for carrying forward the torch of patriotic roles, 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.”
“He made patriotism cinematic, without noise. He made nationalism poetic, without apology… Patriots and artists like him never die. They transcend—into memory, into celluloid, into the nation’s heartbeat.”
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit called it a tremendous loss, stating,
“A great soul like him, a great maker like him, will never be there in our industry again.”
A Personal and Political Life
Off-screen, Manoj Kumar led a dignified life. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) before the 2004 General Elections, though he remained largely non-political in public. He was known for his humility and values.
He is survived by his wife and two sons. His wife is reportedly unwell, and the family waited for close relatives to arrive from abroad for the final rites, held at Pawan Hans Crematorium.
The Nation Bids Farewell
With his passing, India loses one of its greatest cinematic sons, a man who used cinema not for glamour, but for the glory of the country, its culture, and its people.
As India remembers Bharat Kumar, we are reminded that true legends never fade. They live on—in film reels, in memories, and in the beating heart of a grateful nation.
