Veteran Actor Manoj Kumar Passes Away at 87 in Mumbai: Nation Pays Tribute to ‘Bharat Kumar’
Mumbai, April 4, 2025 - Legendary Bollywood actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, widely revered as Bharat Kumar for his impactful portrayal of patriotism on screen, passed away at the age of 87. He breathed his last at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai at 3:30 AM on Friday, following heart-related complications. According to the hospital’s medical certificate, the secondary cause of death was decompensated liver cirrhosis.
His passing marks the end of a monumental era in Indian cinema - an era defined by nationalism, cultural introspection, and timeless cinematic expressions.
Background
Born as Harikrishnan Goswami in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) in 1937, Manoj Kumar began his cinematic journey with the film Fashion in 1957. He rose to fame with Kanch Ki Gudiya (1961) and the blockbuster thriller Gumnaam (1965), but it was his role in Shaheed—based on the life of Bhagat Singh—that positioned him as a performer of substance.
His filmography soon became a canvas for nationalist themes. Seminal works like Upkaar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), Kranti (1981), and Shor (1972) not only won critical and commercial acclaim but also etched Manoj Kumar into the national consciousness as a symbol of patriotic storytelling.
Throughout his illustrious career, Manoj Kumar was lauded for his contribution to Indian cinema with multiple prestigious awards:
Padma Shri – 1992
Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – 1999
Dadasaheb Phalke Award – 2015
Best Director – Filmfare Awards for Roti Kapada Aur Makaan – 1975
Known for his signature style—deep emotional engagement with national themes and a unique screen presence—Manoj Kumar shaped the golden age of Bollywood.
The announcement of his demise triggered a wave of tributes from political leaders and film personalities alike. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a message posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stated:
'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. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti.'
Union Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed sorrow, writing:
'Shri Manoj Kumar ji will always be remembered for making films full of patriotism. Popularly known as ‘Bharat Kumar’, his unforgettable performances have enriched our culture and touched hearts across generations.'
Actress Raveena Tandon, visibly emotional, visited the actor’s residence and shared heartfelt memories. She revealed how Manoj Kumar had given her father his first opportunity in cinema, calling him 'a father figure and mentor.' She also shared her intention to honor him with a Rudraksha mala from Mahakal, Sai Baba’s vibhuti, and the Indian flag—symbols representing his unwavering devotion to faith and country.
According to his son Kunal Goswami, the cremation is scheduled for Saturday morning. 'It's the grace of God that he passed peacefully. He was happy, just a little unwell,' Kunal said while addressing the media.
Public mourning has been widespread, with tributes pouring in across digital platforms, theatres planning retrospective screenings, and political figures recognizing his unparalleled contribution to India’s cultural and patriotic ethos.
Manoj Kumar was never just a film star—he was a movement, an artistic force who turned cinema into a vehicle for national consciousness. His works tackled core societal issues—rural distress, war, self-reliance, and Indian values—years before these became mainstream discussions.
As he once famously said, 'Cinema is not just for entertainment; it’s for education and inspiration.'
His departure leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire artists, educators, politicians, and audiences alike.
As the Indian flag flies at half-mast in his honor, it is not just a nation mourning an artist—it is a nation mourning its conscience on screen. From Shaheed to Kranti, Manoj Kumar redefined what it meant to be Indian, both in reel and in real life.
His legacy is not merely in celluloid frames but in the hearts he awakened.
Rest in peace, Manoj Kumar. You were, and will forever remain, Bharat Kumar.
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Akanksha Sinha
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