NEW DELHI: Veteran actor Manoj Kumar passed away at the age of 87 on Friday (April 4). A legendary name in Hindi cinema, he was best known for his patriotic films like Shaheed (1965), Upkar (1967), and Purab Aur Paschim (1970).
He breathed his last at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, family sources said.
The actor was reportedly admitted to the hospital after suffering heart-related complications. According to the hospital, the secondary cause of death was decompensated liver cirrhosis.
Born in present-day Pakistan, Kumar’s birth name is Harikrishan Giri Goswami.
He received the Padma Shri in 1992 for his contributions to Bollywood and was later honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.
Known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his patriotic films, he also made a mark with classics like “Hariyali Aur Raasta”, “Woh Kaun Thi”, “Himalaya Ki God Mein”, “Do Badan”, “Patthar Ke Sanam”, “Neel Kamal”, and “Kranti”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared pictures of the legendary actor in a social media post.
“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 continue to inspire generations. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” he said.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and NCP chief Sharad Pawar also paid their tributes to the veteran actor-filmmaker.
The late actor’s son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed that his last rites will be performed on Saturday at 11 am at Pawan Hans in front of Nanavati Hospital in Vile Parle (West).
Speaking to media persons here, Kunal Goswami also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his heartfelt tweet, saying, “I thank PM Narendra Modi for his tweet… Be it Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, or Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, these movies are still relevant today. The issues he raised are still relevant today whether in the Parliament or in society”.
In his condolence message, Fadnavis stated, “I pay my tributes to the senior artiste ‘Bharat Kumar’ who aroused and instilled the sentiment of patriotism and awareness about Indian social life among citizens.”
He said Kumar made a mark for himself with his film “Shaheed”, playing revolutionary Bhagat Singh, and later focussed on the issue of agriculture in several of his movies.
NCP president Sharad Pawar called Manoj Kumar’s demise as “heartbreaking”.
“He was known for his patriotic films and acting. The lines in his song ‘Bharat Ka Rahnewala Hoon, Bharat Ki Baat Sunata Hoon’ that introduce the great tradition of Indian culture still resonate in the mind,” according to a post tweeted on X. - The Statesman/ANN
