Manoj Kumar, the renowned actor celebrated for his roles in patriotic films like Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti, passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai.
He was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital, where he passed away at 3:30 am today (April 4) due to heart-related complications. The secondary cause of death, according to the medical certificate from the hospital, was decompensated liver cirrhosis, reports NDTV.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the loss of the "legendary actor and filmmaker" on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Sharing two photographs with the late actor, PM Modi wrote, "He was an icon of Indian cinema, particularly remembered for his patriotic spirit, which resonated in his films. Manoj Ji's work sparked a sense of national pride and will continue to inspire generations. My thoughts are with his family and fans in this time of mourning. Om Shanti."
In an interview with news agency ANI, Kumar’s son, Kunal Goswami, revealed that his father had been struggling with health issues for a long period.
"It is by God's grace that he left this world peacefully. His cremation will be held tomorrow morning... He was happy, just a little unwell."
Born as Harikrishnan Goswami in 1937 in Abbottabad (then in British India, now in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mr Kumar made his Bollywood debut in 1957 with Fashion. His breakthrough came in 1961 with Kanch Ki Gudiya, in which he starred alongside Sayeeda Khan. In 1965, his thriller Gumnaam was among the highest-grossing films of the year, earning Rs 2.6 crores. That same year, he also appeared in Shaheed, a film about the freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.
Kumar became known as 'Bharat Kumar' for his iconic roles in patriotic films such as Upkaar (1967), Purab Aur Pachhim (1970), and Kranti (1981). He also directed and acted in Shor (1972). In 1975, he won the Filmfare Award for Best Director for his film Roti Kapada Aur Makaan.
He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1992, the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
