Actor-director Manoj Kumar passes away at 87 In Mumbai

Veteran actor Manoj Kumar was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, where he died due to heart-related complications .

New Delhi:

Manoj Kumar, the celebrated veteran actor renowned for his roles in iconic patriotic films such as Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti, passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai. He was admitted to the Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital, where he breathed his last at 3:30 am on Friday due to complications related to heart disease. According to the medical certificate issued by the hospital, the secondary cause of his death was decompensated liver cirrhosis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to mourn the loss of the "legendary actor and filmmaker." Sharing two photos with the late actor, PM Modi wrote, "Manoj Kumar was an icon of Indian cinema, particularly revered for his patriotic fervor, which resonated deeply through his films. His works kindled a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations to come. My heartfelt condolences are with his family and fans during this time of sorrow. Om Shanti."

Mr. Manoj Kumar's Journey and Legacy:

Mr. Kumar, who had been struggling with health issues for an extended period, passed away peacefully, according to his son, Kunal Goswami, in an interview with news agency ANI. "It is by the grace of God that he left this world peacefully. His cremation will take place tomorrow morning... He was happy, though just a little unwell," Goswami shared.

Born Harikrishnan Goswami in 1937 in Abbottabad, a small town in the North-West Frontier Province of British India (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan), Mr. Kumar's journey to Bollywood began in 1957 with the film Fashion. His breakthrough came in 1961 with Kanch Ki Gudiya, where he starred alongside Sayeeda Khan.

His thriller Gumnaam (1965) became one of the highest-grossing films of that year, grossing Rs 2.6 crores. The same year, he starred in Shaheed, a film about the life of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.

Mr. Kumar's legacy as an actor solidified with his roles in patriotic films such as Upkaar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Kranti (1981), earning him the affectionate title of ‘Bharat Kumar.’ He also directed and acted in the 1972 film Shor.

In 1975, Mr. Kumar won the Best Director award at the Filmfare Awards for his iconic film Roti Kapada Aur Makaan. His contributions to cinema were further honored with the Padma Shri in 1992, the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999, and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.

In the years leading up to the 2004 general elections, Mr. Kumar also took the step of joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), marking his involvement in the political sphere.

Nation Mourns the Loss of an Icon:

Union Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences, describing Mr. Kumar as a "versatile" actor whose work would forever be cherished. Reflecting on Mr. Kumar's contributions to cinema, Mr. Singh wrote: "Shri Manoj Kumar ji was a versatile actor who will always be remembered for his films brimming with patriotism. Famously known as ‘Bharat Kumar,’ his unforgettable performances in films like Upkaar and Purab Aur Paschim have enriched our culture and resonated with people across generations. His cinematic legacy will live on through his works. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti."