Manoj Kumar, Iconic Actor And ‘Mr.Bharat’, Passes Away At 87

Photo: Instagram

MUMBAI (ANI) – Manoj Kumar, the legendary actor and filmmaker known for his patriotic roles and contributions to Indian cinema, passed away at the age of 87 on April 4, 2025. He died at 4:03 am at a hospital in Mumbai due to cardiogenic shock following a severe heart attack. He had also been battling liver cirrhosis in recent months.

Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Kumar rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s with films that celebrated India’s spirit and identity. His performances in Shaheed, Upkar, and Purab Aur Paschim earned him the affectionate title “Bharat Kumar.”

As both an actor and director, Kumar was known for his storytelling that highlighted national unity, social justice, and Indian values. His directorial debut Upkar (1967) won the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film, and he followed it up with acclaimed works like Purab Aur Paschim (1970) and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974).

Over his career, he received numerous honors, including seven Filmfare Awards, the Padma Shri in 1992, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015—the highest recognition in Indian cinema.

Kumar later joined politics, officially becoming a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party before the 2004 general elections.

His son, Kunal Goswami said,”Unfortunately, my father Manoj Kumar has passed away today at around 3:30 am… He was unwell for a long time, but he has overcome everything with great intensity. It is God’s grace that he passed away peacefully. He will be cremated tomorrow morning.”

He added that despite his illness, Kumar remained in good spirits with his loved ones, especially his grandsons. “He was very happy, though a little unwell due to his age,” he said.

Cousin and producer Manish R Goswami 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.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute posting,“Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. He was an icon of Indian cinema… Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”

Manoj Kumar’s cremation will take place on April 5.

Condolences continued to pour in for the legendary as the news spread of the actor who leaves behind a cinematic legacy rooted in patriotism and purpose having passed.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan expressed what every Indian felt, “Manoj Kumar ji made films that uplifted our country, our cinema, and focused on unity with unmatched sincerity. A legend in every sense. His films shaped an era and left a mark on our cinema. Thank you, sir. You will always be ‘Bharat’ to us.”

Fellow actors Salman Khan and Aamir Khan also expressed grief over Kumar’s passing. “Thank you for the unforgettable films and memories…” Salman posted. Aamir Khan, in a statement shared by his team, said, “Manoj Kumar was not just an actor and filmmaker; he was an institution. I have learned so much from watching his films. His films often focused on important social themes, which brought him closer to the common man.”

Raveena Tandondescribed Kumar as a “genius” and someone far ahead of his time. “We can never forget him. He gave the first break to my father in Balidaan. He was so close to me and my family. When he gave the song Jab zero diya mere Bharat ne, there was no concept of a revolving restaurant in India—so he created something like that on-screen. I think the patriotism that I have in me has come from him, his films, and my father,” she narrated.

Political leaders across party lines also paid tribute, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. They praised Kumar for his cinematic brilliance and his ability to infuse a deep sense of patriotism through his art.