Legendary actor and director Manoj Kumar, affectionately known as Bharat Kumar for his iconic roles of patriotism in Indian cinema, died in Mumbai early on Friday. He was 87 years old.
Famous for classic films that are not forgettable such as Shaheed, Upkar, and Purab Aur Paschim, Kumar passed away at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital around 3:30 am due to age-related issues, director Ashoke Pandit confirmed. Kumar had been in and out of the hospital dealing with various medical conditions over the past few years.
He had been bedridden for the last three years and was recently hospitalized with pneumonia," replied his son Kunal, adding, "He is out of misery now."
Hospital CEO Dr. Santosh Shetty also reported that the actor had been under medical observation for the last few weeks.
There were tributes flooding in from all over the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi sending his condolences on X (formerly Twitter):
Deeply saddened by the demise of veteran actor and director Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. He was a legend of Indian cinema, who was most remembered for his patriotic fervor, which also found expression in his films. Manoj Ji's films infused a sense of national pride and will keep inspiring generations. My condolences to his family and fans in this time of sorrow. Om Shanti.
Awards receiver for a Dadasaheb Phalke, Manoj Kumar also featured in renowned films such as Do Badan, Haryali Aur Rasta, Himalay Ki God Mein, and suspenseful Gumnaam.
Born Harikrishan Goswami in Abbotabad (now Pakistan) in 1937, his family shifted to Delhi during Partition. A Hindu College graduate, Kumar subsequently shifted to Mumbai to pursue his dream of being an actor. His early life as an actor was influenced by his admiration for screen icon Dilip Kumar. So profound was the impact that he borrowed screen name "Manoj" from Dilip Kumar's character in the 1949 film Shabnam.
During an interview in 2021, Kumar spoke of,
"I was 11 when I met Shabnam. Dilip Kumar sahab's character was given the name Manoj, and the experience made my fate. I decided if I became an actor one day, I'd name myself Manoj Kumar."
It was many years later, but a turning point nonetheless, when Dilip Kumar agreed to star in Kumar's magnum opus Kranti.
Kumar's first big success was Hariyali Aur Rasta (1962), with Mala Sinha, followed by suspense thriller Woh Kaun Thi?, which provided Indian cinema with one of its most memorable melodies — "Lag Jaa Gale".
In 1965, he directed and starred in Shaheed, based on Bhagat Singh’s life. The film resonated deeply with audiences and even caught the attention of then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. Their meeting led to Kumar crafting Upkar (1967), inspired by Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.” The film, which also marked his directorial debut, became a national sensation. Its iconic anthem, “Mere Desh Ki Dharti,” still echoes every Republic and Independence Day.
Kumar went on to investigate themes of nationalism with Purab Aur Paschim (1970), which examined the difference between Indian and Western values. The hit of this movie further solidified his reputation on screen as a patriot — the affectionate moniker Bharat Kumar.
He kept the fire burning with social-oriented dramas like Roti Kapda Aur Makaan and the multi-starer Kranti, reaffirming his commitment to cinema that had a message.
Manoj Kumar's passing signifies the end of an era, but his legacy — one based on patriotism and a love of storytelling — will always be engraved in the heart of Indian cinema.
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