Veteran Bollywood actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar dies at 87

Veteran Bollywood actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, widely known for his stirring portrayals of patriotic themes in Indian cinema, passed away on the morning of April 3 at the age of 87.

He died at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, where he was admitted due to heart-related complications. The secondary cause of death was decompensated liver cirrhosis, according to the hospital’s medical certificate.

Born Harikrishnan Goswami in 1937 in Abbottabad (then British India, now in Pakistan), Kumar rose to fame for films that resonated deeply with India’s nationalistic spirit. His performances in Shaheed (1965), Upkaar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Kranti (1981) earned him the enduring moniker ‘Bharat Kumar’ — a symbol of patriotic pride onscreen.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief on social media, calling Kumar a “legendary actor and filmmaker.” “Manoj Ji's works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations,” PM Modi posted on X, sharing images with the late actor.

Kumar’s son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed that his father had been battling health issues for a prolonged period. “It’s the grace of God that he bid adieu peacefully,” he told ANI, adding that the cremation will take place on the morning of April 4.

Manoj Kumar made his acting debut in 1957 with Fashion and found mainstream success with Kanch Ki Gudiya in 1961. A defining moment came in 1965 with the thriller Gumnaam, a box-office hit, followed by the powerful biopic Shaheed, where he portrayed freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.

His directorial ventures, especially Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), earned him critical acclaim and a Filmfare Award for Best Director. Recognized for his contributions to Indian cinema, Kumar was honored with the Padma Shri in 1992, the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015—India's highest cinematic honor.

In 2004, before the general elections, Kumar officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), aligning himself politically with the ideals he portrayed on screen.

Tributes have poured in from political leaders and Bollywood luminaries alike. Union Minister Rajnath Singh remembered Kumar as a “versatile actor” whose films “enriched our culture and endeared him to people across generations.”

As India bids farewell to the man who embodied patriotism in films, Manoj Kumar’s legacy remains etched in celluloid and in the heart of a grateful nation.