Veteran actor and film director Manoj Kumar passed away at 87 in Mumbai. According to reports from news agency ANI, he died early on Friday morning at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, with the time recorded at 4:03 am.
His body will be taken to his residence in Juhu later on Friday, allowing friends, family, and fans a chance to pay their respects. The cremation is expected to be held on Saturday.
Medical reports indicate that his passing was due to cardiogenic shock resulting from a severe heart attack. It was also noted that Manoj had been dealing with serious liver issues in the months leading up to his death, affecting his overall health.
He had been hospitalized since February 21, 2025, as his condition worsened. Manoj Kumar was well-known for his impactful patriotic films and was affectionately titled ‘Bharat Kumar’ by his fans.
Born Harikishan Giri Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad, which is now in Pakistan, Manoj’s family moved to Delhi during the Partition. He completed his education at Hindu College, University of Delhi, before he started his journey in the film industry.
Manoj made his acting debut in 1957 with the film Fashion, gaining fame with hits like Hariyali Aur Rasta (1962) and Woh Kaun Thi? (1964). His most memorable works focused on patriotism, most notably illustrated in his 1965 film Shaheed, inspired by the life of Bhagat Singh, which received critical acclaim. He also directed the successful film Upkar in 1967, further cementing his status as ‘Bharat Kumar’. Other notable films include Purab Aur Paschim (1970), Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), and Kranti (1981).
Over his remarkable career, Manoj Kumar was recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015, celebrating his significant contributions to Indian cinema.
His passing marks a significant loss for Bollywood, leaving behind a rich legacy of films that have inspired and entertained many generations.
