Veteran Bollywood actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, celebrated for his deeply patriotic films and profound influence on Indian cinema, has passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai.
The legendary artist died at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment for complications linked to age-related health conditions. Dr. Santosh Shetty, who oversaw his care, confirmed the news of his death.
“Manoj Kumar was under our care for a prolonged period,” Dr. Shetty said. “Unfortunately, his health had been in steady decline due to age-related complications, and despite our best efforts, he passed away peacefully.”
His son, actor Kunal Goswami, also spoke with ANI News, sharing that his father had been unwell for quite some time. “Papa had been battling several health issues over the past few years,” Kunal stated. “He remained strong and dignified through it all, and we’re grateful for the love and respect the nation has shown him throughout his life and now, in his passing.”
The family has asked for privacy as they make funeral arrangements and mourn the loss of a man who was not just a towering figure in their lives but also in the hearts of millions.
Manoj Kumar, born Harikrishan Goswami in 1937 in what is now Punjab, Pakistan, became a symbol of nationalism in Indian cinema during the 1960s and 1970s. Often referred to as “Bharat” for his roles that embodied patriotic fervor, Kumar delivered some of Indian cinema’s most memorable performances.
Films such as Shaheed (1965), Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), and Kranti (1981) not only defined his career but also captured the spirit of a nation in transition.
His ability to merge compelling storytelling with social and political commentary won him admiration across generations. Kumar’s brand of cinema was known not just for entertainment, but for inspiring civic pride and social consciousness.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Kumar was honored with some of India’s highest accolades. He received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in recognition of his contribution to the arts. Later, his lifetime of work in cinema was immortalized with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award—the country’s most prestigious film honor.
His films, rich in cultural context and emotional resonance, continue to be referenced and revered in conversations about the golden age of Indian cinema. For many, Kumar’s movies were more than just entertainment—they were a call to national awareness.
Following the announcement of his passing, tributes flooded social media platforms, with fans, politicians, and film industry peers expressing their admiration and sorrow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay homage, writing: “Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations. His contribution to Indian cinema is monumental. My condolences to his family and countless admirers.”
The prime minister’s words echoed the sentiments of millions across the country who grew up watching Kumar’s films and found in them a mirror of their aspirations and ideals.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit also shared his grief, calling Kumar’s death “a great loss to the industry.” He remarked, “The entire film fraternity will deeply miss him—not just for his work, but for the person he was.
He stood for something noble, something larger than life. His presence on screen carried weight, dignity, and unwavering purpose.”
As India mourns the loss of one of its cinematic greats, Manoj Kumar’s legacy endures—not just through his films, but through the national spirit they helped shape. His passing marks the end of an era, but the ideals he stood for will live on in every frame he graced.
