Manoj Kumar, Icon of Patriotic Cinema, Passes Away at 87

At the age of 87, actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, better known by his stage name Bharat Kumar, passes away in Kokila Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. His nationalistic movies made him famous.

New Delhi: 4th April 2025

Bharat Kumar, also known as actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, dies in Kokila Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital at the age of 87. He had a reputation for making nationalistic movies.

Manoj Kumar’s mortal remains will be preserved in his Juhu home from Friday afternoon so that fans and members of the industry can pay their tributes. Most likely, Saturday will be the day of the cremation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed the “legendary actor and filmmaker’s passing” via social network X (formerly Twitter). “His nationalistic fervor, which was evident in his works, made him a legendary figure in Indian cinema. ,” PM Modi wrote beside two images of the seasoned performer. Manoj Ji’s creations would inspire generations and ignite a sense of patriotism. My sympathies are with his family and supporters during this difficult time. 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 born in 1937 as Harikrishnan Goswami in Abbottabad, a small town in the North-West Frontier Province of British India (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan).

In 1957, Mr. Kumar made his Bollywood debut in the movie Fashion. After that, he played alongside Sayeeda Khan in Kanch Ki Gudiya (1961), which gave him his big break.

With a total of Rs 2.6 crores, his thriller Gumnaam (1965) was among the highest-grossing films of that year. Shaheed, which examined the life of independence fighter Bhagat Singh, starring Mr. Kumar that same year.

He earned the moniker ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his performances in nationalistic films such as Upkaar (1967), Purab Aur Pachhim (1970), and Kranti (1981). He also performed in and directed the 1972 film Shor.
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At the 1975 Filmfare Awards, Mr. Kumar’s film Roti Kapada Aur Makaan took home the Best Director prize.

Mr. Kumar received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015, the Padma Shri award in 1992, and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999.

Mr. Kumar became an official member of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) prior to the 2004 national elections.