Mumbai: The Indian film industry lost one of its most prestigious figures as veteran actor, director and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, who died at the age of 87.
The actor, known as “Bharat Kumar” for his depiction of patriotic characters, breathed his last on April 4, 2025 at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai on April 4, 2025 at 4:03 pm.
In a heartfelt message on his X (East Twitter) handle, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave his grief, writing, writing, writing,
“Unhappy with the passage of mythological actor and filmmaker Mr. Manoj Kumar ji, he was an icon in Indian cinema, which was particularly remembered for his patriotism, which was also reflected in his films. Manoj ji’s works ignited the spirit of national pride and motivated him to work with his family.
Deepening with the death of mythological actor and filmmaker Mr. Manoj Kumar ji. It was an icon in Indian cinema, especially remembered for his patriotism, which was also reflected in his films. Manoj ji’s actions ignited the spirit of national pride and will … pic.twitter.com/f8pyqoxol33
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 4 April, 2025
Kumar’s death was attributed to cardiogenic shock after an acute infarction. Additionally, he had been struggling with liver cirrhosis for several months, which spoiled his health.
He was hospitalized on 21 February 2025, and was under medical care since.
Born to Harikrishna Goswami in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan) on July 24, 1937, Kumar left his mark in Hindi cinema starting in the late 1950s.
However, it was during the 1960s and 1970s that it grew prominently as one of the most famous stars of Bollywood.
His depiction of patriotic characters in films like Cess, Purba and Paschim and Shaheed gave him a “Bharat Kumar” nickname and established him as a national icon.
Apart from his acting skills, Kumar also excelled as a director and producer.
The beginning of his direction, Cess (1967) won him the National Film Award for the second best feature film. Their other major directions including Purba and Paschim (1970) and Roti Capada and Maqan (1974) were both important and commercial successes.
During his brilliant career, Kumar received many praise in 1992, including Padma Shri and Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015, for his immense contribution to Indian cinema and art.
He also won seven Filmfare Awards in various categories.
Kumar’s legacy is far ahead of his cinematic achievements. His films celebrated the main values ​​such as patriotism, integrity and national unity, echoing deeply with the audience with generations.
Even today, his compositions inspire filmmakers, actors and cinefiles equally.
After retiring from the film industry, Manoj Kumar also entered politics. He formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, led by the 2004 general elections.
Manoj Kumar’s death marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He leaves behind a deep heritage that will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and audiences equally.
