Mumbai: Veteran Bollywood actor and director Manoj Kumar, renowned for his iconic roles in patriotic films, passed away early Friday morning at the age of 87. Reports confirm that Kumar, whose real name was Harikrishan Goswami, succumbed to a cardiogenic shock caused by an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). He breathed his last at 4:03 am at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, where he had been receiving treatment since February 21, 2025, following a decline in his health. In recent months, he had also been battling decompensated liver cirrhosis.
Known affectionately as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his portrayal of patriotic roles, Manoj Kumar’s body will be placed at his Juhu residence on Friday afternoon, allowing his colleagues, fans, and family members to pay their final tributes. His cremation is scheduled for Saturday.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit expressed his grief, calling the loss “a great blow to the industry” and honoring Kumar’s immense contributions. He said, “The legendary Dadasaheb Phalke award winner, our inspiration and the ‘lion’ of the Indian film industry, Manoj Kumar ji is no more. He was a constant source of positivity and energy, and his absence will be deeply felt.”
Born on July 24, 1937, in Amritsar, Punjab, Manoj Kumar made his mark in Indian cinema through socially conscious and patriotic films. He became a household name with movies like Shaheed, Upkar, and Purab Aur Paschim, all of which celebrated national pride and unity. As both an actor and director, his influence on Indian cinema was profound, earning him several accolades including a National Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards.
Kumar was honored with the Padma Shri in 1992, followed by the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015, the highest honor in Indian cinema. His passing has left a void in the industry, with tributes flooding in from all corners of the nation. His legacy as a cultural icon and champion of patriotic cinema will continue to inspire future generations.
