Veteran Filmmaker Manoj Kumar no more, Passes Away at 87 in Mumbai

Ziya Khan 3 weeks agoLast Updated: April 4, 2025

Veteran actor and film director Manoj Kumar has passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai. According to news agency ANI, he died at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital at 4:03 AM on Friday morning. His mortal remains will be kept at his Juhu residence from Friday afternoon, allowing industry colleagues and fans to pay their final respects. The cremation is expected to take place on Saturday.

Medical reports cited by ANI indicate that Manoj Kumar passed away from cardiogenic shock caused by an acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a severe heart attack. Additionally, it was reported that he had been battling decompensated liver cirrhosis in recent months, which further affected his health.Manoj Kumar was hospitalized on February 21, 2025, after his condition worsened. He was especially renowned for his patriotic films and was affectionately referred to as ‘Bharat Kumar’.

Born as Harikishan Giri Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad, British India (now in Pakistan), Manoj moved to Delhi with his family during the Partition. He graduated from Hindu College, University of Delhi, before making his mark in the film industry. His acting career began in 1957 with the film Fashion, and he gained prominence with movies like Hariyali Aur Rasta (1962) and Woh Kaun Thi? (1964).

However, it was his focus on patriotic themes that solidified his legacy in Indian cinema. His critically acclaimed film Shaheed (1965), based on the life of Bhagat Singh, marked a significant milestone, followed by Upkar (1967), which he also directed, earning him the nickname Bharat Kumar. Other notable films include Purab Aur Paschim (1970), Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), and Kranti (1981).Throughout his illustrious career, Manoj Kumar received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri from the Government of India in 1992 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015, recognizing his significant contributions to the film industry.His passing marks the end of an era in Bollywood, leaving behind a rich legacy of films that continue to inspire generations.