Veteran Bollywood Actor Manoj Kumar Passes Away At 87 In Mumbai

Veteran actor Manoj Kumar, renowned for his roles in patriotic films such as Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti, passed away at 87 in Mumbai. He was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital, where he died at 3:30 am on Friday due to heart complications. The medical certificate issued by the hospital also noted decompensated liver cirrhosis as a secondary cause of death.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the news of the “legendary actor and filmmaker’s” passing on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Along with two images of the actor, PM Modi expressed, “He was an icon of Indian cinema, who will particularly be remembered for his patriotic fervor, evident in his films. Manoj Ji’s contributions sparked a sense of national pride and will continue to inspire future generations. My thoughts are with his family and devotees during this sorrowful time. Om Shanti.”

Mr. Kumar faced health issues for an extended period, according to his son, Kunal Goswami, who spoke to news agency ANI. “It’s by God’s grace that he departed from this world peacefully. His cremation will occur tomorrow morning… He was happy, albeit a bit unwell.”

Born in 1937 in Abbottabad, a small town in what is now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, Mr. Kumar was originally named Harikrishnan Goswami.

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— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 4, 2025

He made his Bollywood debut in 1957 with the film Fashion and received his breakthrough in Kanch Ki Gudiya (1961), where he starred alongside Sayeeda Khan.

His thriller, Gumnaam (1965), was among the year’s highest-grossing films, earning Rs 2.6 crores. In the same year, he also starred in Shaheed, which depicted the life of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.

Mr. Kumar earned the nickname ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his roles in patriotic films such as Upkaar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Kranti (1981). He was also a director, having directed and acted in Shor (1972).

He received the Best Director award at the Filmfare Awards in 1975 for his film Roti Kapada Aur Makaan.

Mr. Kumar was honored with the Padma Shri in 1992, the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.

In 2004, Mr. Kumar officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) before the general elections.

Nation Mourns An Icon’s Demise

Union Minister Rajnath Singh expressed sorrow over the loss of a “versatile” actor and extended his condolences to the family and fans. He reminisced about Mr. Kumar’s work, stating, “Shri Manoj Kumar ji was a versatile actor, forever remembered for his films filled with patriotism. Affectionately known as ‘Bharat Kumar,’ his timeless performances in films like Upkaar and Purab Aur Paschim have enriched our culture and endeared him to audiences across generations. His cinematic legacy will endure through his works. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.”

“Patriots and artists like him are immortal,” remarked film director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri.

India’s pioneering and dedicated Indic filmmaker, Dadasaheb Phalke awardee Shri Manoj Kumar ji, departed from us today. A proud nationalist, a devoted Hindu, and a visionary director who introduced a new approach to Indian cinema—focusing on song picturisation, meaningful lyrics, and more.