Veteran actor Manoj Kumar, known for his roles in patriotic films such as Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti, died at 87 in Mumbai. Mr Kumar was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, where he died at 3:30 am on Friday due to heart-related complications. The secondary cause of death is decompensated liver cirrhosis, as per the medical certificate issued by the hospital.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the news of the death of the “legendary actor and filmmaker” on social media X (formerly Twitter). Sharing two pictures with the veteran actor, PM Modi wrote, “He was an icon of Indian cinema, who was particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was also reflected in his films. 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.”
Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. He was an icon of Indian cinema, who was particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was also reflected in his films. Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will… pic.twitter.com/f8pYqOxol3
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025
Mr Kumar was battling health issues for a long time, said his son, Kunal Goswami, in an interview to news agency ANI. “It’s the grace of god that he bid adieu to this world peacefully. His cremation will take place tomorrow morning… He was happy. Just a little unwell.”
Mr Kumar was born in Abbottabad, a small town in the North-West Frontier Province, British India (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan), in 1937 and was named Harikrishnan Goswami.
Mr Kumar debuted in Bollywood in 1957 with the film Fashion. He then got his break in Kanch Ki Gudiya (1961), where he acted with Sayeeda Khan.
His thriller, Gumnaam (1965), was one of the highest-grossing movies of that year, collecting Rs 2.6 crores. In the same year, Mr Kumar starred in Shaheed, which explored the life of the freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.
His roles in patriotic films like Upkaar (1967), Purab Aur Pachhim (1970) and Kranti (1981) got him the nickname ‘Bharat Kumar’. He also directed and acted in Shor (1972).
Mr Kumar won the Best Director award at the Filmfare Awards in 1975 for his movie Roti Kapada Aur Makaan.
Mr Kumar was conferred the title of Padma Shri in 1992, Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.
Before the 2004 general elections, Mr Kumar officially joined the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP).
Nation Mourns The Death Of An Icon
Union Minister Rajnath Singh mourned the loss of a “versatile” actor and expressed condolences to the family and admirers. Mr Singh recalled Mr Kumar’s work and wrote: “Shri Manoj Kumar ji was a versatile actor, who would always be remembered for making films full of patriotism. Popularly known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ his unforgettable performances in films like ‘Upkaar’, ‘Purab and Paschim’ have enriched our culture and have endeared him to people across generations. His cinematic legacy will live on through his works. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Shri Manoj Kumar ji was a versatile actor, who would always be remembered for making films full of patriotism. Popularly known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ his unforgettable performances in films like ‘Upkaar’, ‘Purab and Paschim’ have enriched our culture and have endeared him to people…
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 4, 2025
“Patriots and artists like him never die,” wrote film director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri.
India’s first truly original and committed Indic filmmaker, Dadasaheb Phalke awardee Shri Manoj Kumar ji, left us today.
A proud nationalist.
A staunch Hindu at heart.
A visionary director who gave Indian cinema a new grammar — of song picturisation, of meaningful lyrics, of… pic.twitter.com/Te8PNBbIv5— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) April 4, 2025
