Veteran actor, director, and screenwriter Manoj Kumar, widely recognised for his patriotic films and hailed as Bharat Kumar, passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai on April 4, 2025. A stalwart of Indian cinema, his contribution spanned multiple decades and roles, earning him both Padma Shri in 1992 and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.

According to hospital sources, Manoj Kumar breathed his last at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. He was admitted on February 21, 2025, following complications due to decompensated liver cirrhosis, and later suffered a cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction. His last rites are scheduled to be held in Mumbai on Saturday, April 5.

The Nation Mourns the Loss

Tributes and condolence messages began pouring in from across the country soon after the news broke. Political leaders, actors, directors, and fans remembered Manoj Kumar not only for his cinematic legacy but also for the values and patriotism he infused into Indian cinema.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tributes, stating, “He was an icon of Indian cinema, remembered for his patriotic zeal. Manoj Ji's works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his condolences, recalling Kumar’s roles in films like Upkar and Purab Aur Paschim, which celebrated India’s cultural and national spirit. He said, “Popularly known as Bharat Kumar, his cinematic legacy will live on through his works.”

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit described Kumar as the “lion of Indian film industry”, calling his demise a great loss to the industry.

A Career Steeped in Patriotism

Born as Harikrishna Giri Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Manoj Kumar’s family moved to Delhi during Partition. He graduated from Hindu College, University of Delhi. His love for cinema saw him adopt the screen name Manoj Kumar, inspired by Dilip Kumar’s character in the film Shabnam (1949).

Manoj Kumar began his career in Bollywood with the film Fashion in 1957. He found initial fame with movies like Hariyali Aur Raasta (1962), Woh Kaun Thi (1964), and Himalaya Ki God Mein (1965). But it was his 1965 film Shaheed, based on the life of Bhagat Singh, that cemented his place as a nationalist figure in Indian cinema.

His directorial venture Upkar (1967), at the request of then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, encapsulated the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”. The film became a national hit, turning Manoj Kumar into the face of cinematic patriotism and earning him the nickname Bharat Kumar.

Following this, he continued to deliver films with strong nationalistic undertones such as:

• Purab Aur Paschim (1970): A cultural contrast between Eastern and Western values.

• Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974): A commentary on poverty, unemployment, and the promises of democracy.

• Kranti (1981): A historical epic featuring Dilip Kumar and Kumar himself, celebrating India’s freedom movement.

Not Just an Actor, But a Complete Filmmaker

Manoj Kumar wore many hats in the film industry. He was an actor, director, writer, lyricist, and editor, taking deep involvement in every creative aspect of his films. His style of narration, use of symbolism, and nationalistic fervour influenced generations of filmmakers and artists.

He had the rare ability to blend entertainment with emotion and ideology, ensuring his films resonated not just at the box office but also in the hearts of viewers.

Legacy and Influence

The Padma Shri and Dadasaheb Phalke Award were acknowledgments of his monumental contribution to Indian cinema. His life and work inspired actors such as Aamir Khan, Sunny Deol, and Akshay Kumar, who have spoken in the past about how his films shaped their understanding of cinema with purpose.

He was also known for mentoring and supporting upcoming talent and maintained a relatively low profile in his later years.

Some of his other well-known films include:

• Do Badan (1966)

• Patthar Ke Sanam (1967)

• Neel Kamal (1968)

• Shor (1972)

• Dus Numbri (1976)

Later Years and Health Struggles

In the later part of his life, Manoj Kumar largely stayed away from public life due to health reasons. He was known to be battling chronic liver conditions, and his public appearances were limited. Despite his absence from the screen, his old films continued to air frequently on television, especially around national holidays like Independence Day and Republic Day, a testimony to his permanent place in the patriotic imagination of India.

His portrayal of characters deeply embedded in Indian soil — farmers, freedom fighters, and culturally rooted youth — gave people a sense of identity, especially in post-Independence India when the nation was still discovering its new self.

A Permanent Place in Indian Cinema

With his demise, an era has truly come to an end. In a world of commercial cinema and fast-paced storytelling, Manoj Kumar’s brand of thoughtful, emotionally rich, and culturally aware filmmaking stood apart. His films continue to be syllabus material in film schools, and are often referred to during discussions on patriotic cinema.

As tributes pour in from all walks of life, his passing is not just a loss to Indian cinema, but to Indian cultural consciousness.

Final Goodbye

As the curtains fall on the life of this cinematic giant, his films, his ideals, and his love for the nation will remain with us. Whether it was the son of the soil in Upkar or the cultural bridge in Purab Aur Paschim, Manoj Kumar immortalised the spirit of Bharat on screen — and for that, he will be remembered forever.

Om Shanti.

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