Renowned actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, fondly known as ‘Bharat Kumar‘, passed away at the age of 87 on Friday.
The actor, celebrated for his patriotic films, reportedly breathed his last at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital after battling a prolonged illness.
Reportedly, the medical reports reveal that Manoj Kumar’s death was caused by cardiogenic shock resulting from an acute myocardial infarction, a severe heart attack. The reports also indicated that he had been struggling with decompensated liver cirrhosis in recent months, which had worsened his health.
The legendary actor was admitted to the hospital on February 21, 2025, when his health deteriorated.
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“He is out of his misery now,” the filmmaker’s son Kunal told PTI, adding that his father had been battling multiple health issues and was bedridden for the last few years. He said, “We thank them for that. They loved him a lot. There was a lot of pain. But he passed away peacefully. No, sir. When organs fail, there are a lot of pains. You can’t keep your fingers on anything. But ultimately, I think it was more towards the heart. It went towards it. So, there is a way to go. Everyone has to go. So, there is pain. But he passed away peacefully. I am thankful to God for that. “
The actor’s cousin, Manish R Goswami, also expressed his sorrow and said, “This is sad news for the entire country. The era of making movies on patriotism has ended today. This is the end of an era of a true Indian and true patriotism.”
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit confirmed the news, paying tribute to the legendary star. In a video statement posted by ANI, he said, “The legendary Dadasaheb Phalke award winner, our inspiration and the ‘lion’ of the Indian film industry, Manoj Kumar Ji is no more. It is a great loss to the industry, and the entire film fraternity will miss him.”
A stalwart of Indian cinema, Manoj Kumar was known for his iconic roles n films that evoked deep patriotic fervour. His notable works include Shaheed (1965), Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), all of which left an indelible mark on Hindi cinema.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid rich tributes to noted actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, lauding him as an icon of Indian cinema. PM Modi said on X, “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.” Modi said Kumar’s films ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations.
Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Amritsar, Punjab, Manoj Kumar carved a niche for himself in Hindi cinema.
His iconic roles in films like Shaheed, Upkar, and Rang De Basanti resonated deeply with the patriotic sentiments of the Indian public.
Throughout his career, Kumar became known for both his acting and direction in films that focused on national pride and the spirit of unity.
Kumar’s contributions to Indian cinema earned him several prestigious accolades, including a National Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards in different categories.
In recognition of his immense contribution to Indian arts, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in 1992.
His legacy was further solidified when he was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015, the highest recognition in Indian cinema.
Manoj Kumar will be laid to rest tomorrow with his cremation set to take place at Pawan Hans. His son confirmed to news outlets saying, “Tomorrow we will leave the hospital at 9. We will come here at 10 at our house. And at 11, we will go to Pawan Hans for cremation.”