Mumbai | April 4, 2025
Manoj Kumar Passes Away at 87: Veteran Bollywood actor, filmmaker, and screen icon Manoj Kumar, best known for his patriotic films and being fondly called Bharat Kumar, passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai on Thursday. He died after a prolonged battle with heart disease and liver cirrhosis, leaving behind a legacy that deeply influenced Indian cinema and culture.
The actor breathed his last at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where he had been admitted due to cardiac complications in February. His condition worsened this week, and he succumbed to a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction), followed by cardiogenic shock.
🎬 Manoj Kumar’s Life, Career & Legacy in Indian Cinema
Born on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (then part of British India), Manoj Kumar, originally named Harikrishna Giri Goswami, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected figures in the Indian film industry.
He made his acting debut in the late 1950s and gained widespread recognition with films like Shaheed (1965), in which he portrayed freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. His name became synonymous with patriotic Hindi cinema, and he earned the nickname Bharat Kumar after the massive success of Upkar (1967), a film inspired by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.”
Following this, he delivered a series of memorable films that blended nationalism, emotion, and social themes, including:
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🏛️ Purab Aur Paschim (1970)
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👨👩👧 Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974)
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🇮🇳 Kranti (1981)
These films not only entertained but also shaped the country’s cultural and political narrative in the post-Independence era.
🏅 Awards and Honors for Manoj Kumar
Over his illustrious career, Manoj Kumar received numerous accolades, including:
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Padma Shri (1992)—India’s fourth-highest civilian honor
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Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2016)—India’s highest award in cinema
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Multiple Filmfare Awards for both acting and direction
His influence extended beyond the silver screen—his dialogues, songs, and themes remain a part of India’s collective consciousness.
🏥 Health Struggles and Cause of Death
In early 2025, Manoj Kumar’s health began to deteriorate due to chronic heart problems and liver-related illness. According to doctors, he suffered a major heart attack and slipped into cardiogenic shock, a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
He also had decompensated liver cirrhosis, a serious condition that complicated his recovery. Despite being under intensive care, he passed away peacefully with family by his side.
🕊️ Tributes Pour In for Bharat Kumar
As the news of his passing broke, tributes began flooding in from celebrities, politicians, and fans alike.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Manoj Kumar Ji’s demise leaves a void in the heart of every Indian cinema lover. His contribution to patriotic cinema will never be forgotten. Om Shanti.”
Veteran actor Dharmendra, a close friend, visited his residence in Mumbai to pay his respects. Several actors and directors have shared heartfelt tributes, remembering him as not just a star but a moral compass of Bollywood.
📍 Funeral and Last Rites
Manoj Kumar’s last rites will be held on Saturday, April 5, at a crematorium in Mumbai, with full state honors expected. Family sources confirmed that the funeral will be attended by close relatives, friends from the film fraternity, and senior political leaders.
💬 Why Manoj Kumar Still Matters Today
In an era dominated by fast-paced content, Manoj Kumar’s films remind us of timeless values — patriotism, sacrifice, and social responsibility. His unique ability to blend entertainment with a message has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
Even today, dialogues from Kranti and songs like “Mere Desh Ki Dharti” continue to be played during national celebrations and cultural events.
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