Legendary actor and director Manoj Kumar died at the age of 87 on Friday.
Fondly known as "Bharat Kumar" for his roles in patriotic films, the veteran actor was a winner of Dadasaheb Phalke award. Director Ashoke Pandit took to X, saying, "...Our inspiration and the 'lion' of the Indian film industry, Manoj Kumar ji, is no more. It is a great loss to the industry. The entire film fraternity will miss him."
#WATCH | Mumbai | On the demise of Indian actor and film director Manoj Kumar, Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit says, "...The legendary Dadasaheb Phalke award winner, our inspiration and the 'lion' of the Indian film industry, Manoj Kumar Ji is no more...It is a great loss to the industry… pic.twitter.com/vWL7FRI44D
— ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2025
Taking to X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Manoj Kumar, saying he was saddened by the passing of the the actor. Calling him an icon of the Indian cinema, the PM said he was known for his patriotic zeal as seen in his films that ignited national pride and will continue inspiring generations to come.
How did Manoj Kumar die?
Manoj Kumar, 87, died of a heart attack at 4.03 am on Friday. The actor spent his final moments at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He was admitted to the hospital on February 21. Besides he had been battling decompensated liver cirrhosis, which deteriorated his health condition.
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
Born on July 24, 1937, in Amritsar, his real name was Harikrishan Goswami. Besides winning Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015, he was also conferred with Padma Shri in 1992 as well as a National Film Award.
Manoj Kumar was known for his roles in iconic movies like Shaheed (1965), Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan (1974) and Kranti (1981). He also directed and acted in Shor, which was released in 1972.
Remembering Manoj Kumar, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit said, "He was always full of life, he was always happy, and the entire industry will miss him. A great soul like him, a great maker like him, will never be there in our industry. Goodbye Manojji, goodbye."
